Netas’ daughters make mark in Bihar polls, challenge long-dominant ‘son rise’

Patna: The Bihar assembly elections are witnessing a telling shift — from dynastic “son rise” to the confident emergence of political daughters. As parties recalibrate their strategies, daughters of established politicians are stepping into the limelight, symbolising not just continuity of legacy but also a growing demand for women’s representation in power.Among those embodying this new wave are Shivani Shukla, daughter of jailed politician Munna Shukla; Lata Singh, daughter of former union minister RCP Singh; and Komal Singh, daughter of JD(U) leader Dinesh Singh. Together, they represent a new generation of women ready to carry forward political legacies — and perhaps reshape them.Of the three, Shivani’s entry into politics carries a touch of cinematic serendipity.

Initially out campaigning for her mother, Annu Shukla, in Lalganj, Shivani found herself encouraged by locals to take up the mantle herself. When Annu sought a party ticket from RJD chief Lalu Prasad, the party’s internal survey echoed the people’s sentiment — field the daughter. “Eventually, the RJD ticket came to Annuji’s daughter, and she is enjoying the new responsibility quite much,” said Shivani’s social media handler, Rana Kumar.

Armed with a degree from the UK and the energy of youth, Shivani now moves from one village to another across Lalganj, connecting with voters and promising a politics rooted in empathy and reform. Her campaign speeches revolve around education, health, employment, and migration — issues close to Bihar’s daily life.In Nalanda’s Ashthawan constituency, Supreme Court advocate Lata Singh is making a different kind of pitch.

Contesting on a Jan Suraaj ticket, she blends legal precision with grassroots enthusiasm. “A small change at the local level will lead to a bigger change at the state level,” she tells her audience, promising to “change the face” of her constituency if given a chance. Having toured every village, Lata said she was struck by the persistence of problems despite two decades of continuous NDA rule.Meanwhile, Komal Singh, JD(U) candidate from Gaighat in Muzaffarpur, has embraced the campaign trail with a mix of charm and discipline.

Moving through narrow lanes and village courtyards, she greets elders with folded hands and embraces young women warmly. “My parents always say a leader’s strength is their support base, and the way you have come in large numbers to hear us proves you will shower your blessings,” she says, her voice carrying conviction and humility in equal measure.Observers see this surge of political daughters as both symbolic and strategic.

“So far, males dominated the political arena, but now girls are also slowly dominating the scene. We think the development will slowly end gender discrimination in society,” said ADR’s Bihar state coordinator, Rajiv Kumar. However, he cautioned that parties must also empower women from non-political backgrounds, not just those with powerful surnames.Yet, Bihar’s political canvas remains crowded with “sons” too Some important names who deserve mention here include Yashraj Paswan (Alauli), son of ex-union minister Pashupati Kumar Paras, Rithuraj (Ghoshi), son of former MP Arun Kumar, Trivikram Singh (Aurangabad), son of former state BJP president Gopal Narayan Singh, and Simant Mrinal (Garkha), son of LJP (RV) SC/ST Commission chairman Dhananjay Mrinal.For now, however, it is the daughters — with folded hands, grounded voices and determined steps — who are scripting a fresh chapter in Bihar’s story.