Previously elected MP Dhananjay Singh's spouse, Srikala Reddy, was declared as a candidate by the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP). Srikala had filed her nomination, but BSP replaced her at the last minute. On the final day of nominations, Mayawati's BSP announced incumbent MP Shyam Singh Yadav as their candidate. An irked Dhananjay Singh announced his next move following his ticket cancellation. He declared support for the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) nominee for the national elections.
While Dhananjay Singh has declared support for the BJP, Raghuraj Pratap Singh, aka Raja Bhaiya, a legislator from Pratapgarh's Kunda, has taken a neutral stance. Raja Bhaiya declared his party would not support any faction in the parliamentary elections. Post a meeting with Home Minister Amit Shah in Bengaluru, speculation was rife that he might endorse BJP. However, Raja Bhaiya has appealed to vote for competent candidates in his influence zones, confirming that major parties like BJP, SP, and BSP had sought his support, which he declined.
The political inclinations of UP's prominent strongmen have sparked discussions about the stance of other significant regional influencers. Dhananjay has shifted to BJP's side, while Raja Bhaiya has chosen neutrality. Conversations now turn to where other political heavyweights of UP-Bihar stand.
Vijay Mishra
Former legislator Vijay Mishra has a strong influence in Bhadohi and nearby districts including Mirzapur. Currently incarcerated in Agra jail, Vijay Mishra hasn't declared support or opposition for any candidate in the national elections.
Brijesh Singh
The former Member of Legislative Council, Brijesh Singh, hasn't openly backed any party, but his proximity to the NDA has been evident occasionally. There was talk that Brijesh might contest the Ghazipur seat for NDA's ally party, Suheldev Bharatiya Samaj Party (SBSP). BJP legislator Sushil Singh from Chandauli's Saiyadraja is Brijesh's nephew.
Mukhtar Ansari's Family
Following Mukhtar Ansari's death, this election is the first for his family. His elder brother, Afzal Ansari, is contesting from the Ghazipur parliamentary seat. He won in 2019 on a BSP ticket and is now with the SP.
Harishankar Tiwari's Family
Gorakhpur's strongman Harishankar Tiwari's family member, his son Bhishmashankar Tiwari, is in the electoral fray. The former MP Bhishmashankar has received SP's ticket for the Dumariaganj seat. He initiated his political journey with BJP in 1999 and later joined SP, also serving as BSP's MP. He's contesting this time on an SP ticket.
Rajeshwar Singh
Close to Mulayam Singh Yadav and a strongman of Purvanchal, former minister Rajeshwar Singh has joined the BJP. He, along with his brother Brijkishore Singh Dimple, took BJP membership in the presence of Amit Shah, claiming a strong influence in Basti and its neighboring seats.
Pappu Yadav
The strongman from Bihar, Pappu Yadav contested as an independent candidate from the Purnia seat. A few months ago, Pappu merged his Jan Adhikar Party with the Congress, seeking a ticket from Purnia, but RJD retained the seat, prompting him to stand as an independent.
Awadhesh Mandal
Mandal's wife Bima Bharti, formerly JD(U) legislator, entered the fray for Purnia with RJD right before the announcement of her candidacy. Purnia's contest became crucial not just for Pappu Yadav but also for Awadhesh Mandal's reputation.
Munna Shukla
Strongman Munna Shukla is RJD's candidate for Bihar's Vaishali seat. Munna, brother to Chotan Shukla and former legislator, has been infamous since the murder of Gopalganj's District Magistrate G. Krishnaiah during Chotan's funeral procession, a case where ex-MP Anand Mohan was also implicated. Munna's and by extension Chotan's reputation is at stake for the Vaishali seat.
Anand Mohan
Former MP Anand Mohan's wife Lovely Anand is contesting from the Sheohar Lok Sabha seat as a JD(U) candidate. The strongman Anand Mohan's family joined JD(U) just before the elections, switching allegiance from Lalu Yadav-led RJD to the NDA.
Ashok Mahto
Bahubali Ashok Mahto has good influence over Nawada and surrounding seats. A convicted felon from the Nawada jailbreak case, Ashok fielded his wife Anita Devi from Nawada on an RJD ticket. Nawada's election happens to be a true test of Ashok Mahto's standing.
Read More:
