‘Mafia Alliance’: BJP Alleges RJD Fielded Gangster Mohammad Shahabuddin’s Son in Bihar Polls

Last Updated:October 15, 2025, 11:12 IST

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) spokesperson Pradip Bhandari claimed that the RJD is effectively promoting “gangsters in government.”

BJP Alleges ‘Mafia Alliance’ After RJD Nominates Shahabuddin’s Son. (Photo: Pradip Bhandari X handle)

In a move likely to stir political debate, the BJP alleged that Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) has nominated Osama Shahab, son of the late controversial politician and alleged gangster Mohammad Shahabuddin, as its candidate for the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections. Osama Shahab will contest from the Raghunathpur seat in Siwan district, a traditional stronghold of the Shahabuddin family.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) spokesperson Pradip Bhandari claimed that the RJD is effectively promoting “gangsters in government." BJP leaders have also called on the women of Bihar to oppose what they term the “mafia alliance" of the RJD and Congress, asserting that the electorate will deliver a fitting response at the ballot box.

Bhandari’s post on X reads, “RJD Gives ticket to Gangster Shahbuddin’s son! RJD Congress has made it clear, if they come to power in Bihar they will have Gangsters in Government! Women of Bihar will give a befitting response to ‘JungleRaj RJD". Women of Bihar will ensure Mafia Alliance of RJD Congress continue to sit in opposition!"

What do we know about Osama Shahab?

RJD’s decision to back Osama Shahab is a calculated attempt to consolidate its minority and loyal voter base in Siwan. The current MLA, Harishankar Yadav, vacated the seat and publicly endorsed Shahab’s candidacy, strengthening the party’s bid to leverage the late Shahabuddin’s influence and political legacy.

Osama Shahab, educated in India and the UK with a law degree from London, has recently entered active local politics. Party insiders suggest that he is being groomed as the inheritor of his father’s political capital in the region, with RJD leadership keen to retain its dominance in Siwan.

Mahagatbandhan seat distribution

Amid ongoing disputes between the RJD and Congress over seat-sharing in the Grand Alliance, the RJD has begun distributing tickets to its candidates. Lalu Prasad Yadav personally handed out the tickets, with Tejashwi Yadav also present. Tejashwi will contest from Raghopur and will file his nomination on 15 October at the Vaishali Collectorate.

Other notable candidates include Israil Mansuri from Kanti, Mukesh Roshan from Mahua, Vijay Samrat from Sheikhpura, and Akhtarul Islam Shaheen from Samastipur. In total, RJD has fielded candidates across key constituencies while continuing discussions with Congress to resolve ongoing seat-sharing disputes.

While the RJD and Congress negotiate, CPI(M) has also demanded certain seats currently held by Congress, complicating the alliance’s arrangements further. On the other side, NDA allies Jitan Ram Manjhi and Upendra Kushwaha have expressed dissatisfaction with seat allocations. Manjhi has gone so far as to indicate he will field candidates on additional seats beyond the six assigned to him, signalling potential friction within the NDA camp.

Shuddhanta Patra

Shuddhanta Patra, a seasoned journalist with eight years of experience, serves as Senior Sub‑Editor at CNN News 18. With expertise across national politics, geopolitics, business news, she has influenced public...Read More

Shuddhanta Patra, a seasoned journalist with eight years of experience, serves as Senior Sub‑Editor at CNN News 18. With expertise across national politics, geopolitics, business news, she has influenced public...

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News elections ‘Mafia Alliance’: BJP Alleges RJD Fielded Gangster Mohammad Shahabuddin’s Son in Bihar Polls

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