Arti Roy
In a surprising turn of events, Shankar Singh, an independent candidate and former MLA, triumphed over candidates from both the Janata Dal (United) and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) in the recent byelection for the Rupauli Assembly seat in Bihar’s Purnia district. This victory not only reshapes local politics but also highlights the complex dynamics and issues within the region.
Shankar Singh is a figure shrouded in controversy. As the leader of the notorious North Liberation Army (NLA), a militia group notorious for its involvement in caste conflicts, Singh’s name invokes both fear and respect in Purnia. His election affidavit reveals he has at least 19 cases lodged against him across various police stations in the district. Despite this, Singh’s victory underscores his strong influence and control over the local electorate.
In the byelection, Singh secured 68,070 votes, defeating Janata Dal (United) candidate Kaladhar Prasad Mandal, who received 59,824 votes, and Rashtriya Janata Dal candidate Bima Bharti, who garnered 30,619 votes. The defeats of the INDIA bloc and NDA candidates, despite extensive campaigning by RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, highlight the shifting political allegiances in the region.
Singh’s political journey includes a brief tenure as an MLA from February 2005 to November 2005, representing the Rupauli Assembly seat on a Lok Janshakti Party ticket. His return to the political arena and subsequent victory signal a resurgence of his influence. Singh’s win over a five-term MLA like Bima Bharti, despite her support from Purnia MP Rajesh Ranjan alias Pappu Yadav, underscores his strong grassroots support.
The caste composition of Rupauli played a crucial role in this election. The constituency has a significant population of Extremely Backward Classes (EBC), to which both Bharti and Mandal belong. However, Singh, representing the Rajput community through his leadership of the NLA, managed to secure a broad base of support. His promise to install a statue of the late Bollywood actor Sushant Singh Rajput in his native village of Maldih further solidified his appeal among locals.
In his victory speech, Singh expressed gratitude to the people of Rupauli and outlined his development agenda. He emphasized the need for a degree college in Rupauli and the construction of a ring dam to protect ten flood-prone panchayats in south Rupauli. Additionally, he highlighted the necessity of building bridges to connect six to seven panchayats, addressing critical infrastructure issues.
Singh’s commitment to development resonates with voters’ aspirations for improved living conditions and better educational opportunities. His assertion that the people of Rupauli will decide whether he joins the INDIA or NDA bloc or forms his own party reflects his populist approach and willingness to align his political future with the will of his constituents.
The election results have elicited varied reactions from political leaders. Upendra Kushwaha, leader of the Rashtriya Lok Morcha and an NDA partner, expressed concern over the JD(U) candidate’s defeat, viewing it as a warning sign for the NDA. He noted that public dissatisfaction with the pre-2005 state government remains a significant factor in the election outcome.
Shankar Singh’s victory in the Rupauli byelection marks a significant development in Bihar’s political landscape. It underscores growing disenchantment with traditional political parties and the appeal of independent candidates who effectively address local issues. Singh’s success also highlights the importance of caste dynamics and the influence of regional strongmen in Bihar politics.
This election result indicates a potential shift in political allegiances within the region, challenging the dominance of established parties like the JD(U) and RJD. Singh’s ability to mobilize support across different communities and his focus on development-oriented promises resonate with the electorate’s desire for tangible improvements in their daily lives.
Shankar Singh’s rise to power as an independent candidate in the Rupauli byelection underscores his enduring influence and the complex political dynamics of the region. Despite his controversial background, Singh’s victory demonstrates his strong grassroots support and his ability to address local issues effectively. As Bihar’s political landscape continues to evolve, Singh’s success serves as a reminder of changing voter preferences and the increasing importance of local issues and caste dynamics in electoral politics.
