Published on: October 17, 2025 | 5:18 PM IST
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday launched a pointed critique of the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) for fielding Osama Shahab, the son of the late gangster Mohammad Shahabuddin, in the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections. Speaking at an election rally in Saran district, Shah questioned the ability of a party that endorses such candidates to ensure public safety in the state.
RJD’s Controversial Candidate
Shah highlighted the fact that Shahab has been given the ticket from the Raghunathpur assembly constituency in Siwan district, historically considered the stronghold of his father, Mohammad Shahabuddin. The Union minister asked a rhetorical question to voters:
“Can Bihar remain safe if RJD gives the election ticket to Shahabuddin’s son?”
The remark is part of the BJP and NDA’s broader campaign strategy, aimed at portraying the RJD as a party that tolerates criminal elements, while emphasizing the law-and-order improvements under the NDA government.
Shah on Bihar’s Development
During his speech, Amit Shah took the opportunity to underscore the achievements of the NDA government in Biharunder Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. He highlighted infrastructure development, claiming that it now takes less than five hours to travel from one corner of Bihar to another, thanks to extensive road upgrades.
“This development has been done together by PM Narendra Modi and CM Nitish Kumar. Before our government came here, migration, extortion, murders, and kidnappings were common. But we have built a lot of engineering and medical colleges and upgraded roads,” Shah said.
He also claimed that the NDA government successfully curtailed migration from Bihar, pointing to improved opportunities and governance in the state.
Four Diwalis in Bihar, Says Shah
In an attempt to connect with voters ahead of the polls, Shah painted a festive picture, saying that the people of Bihar are celebrating ‘four Diwalis’ this year:
- On the day of Diwali itself.
- When the NDA government transferred ₹10,000 into the accounts of ‘Jeevika Didis’.
- On the day when GST was reduced.
- On November 14, the day when election results will be announced.
This metaphor was used to underscore the achievements and welfare measures of the NDA government in the state and create a sense of celebration around the election outcomes.
Political Context
The remarks come amid rising political temperatures in Bihar, where the assembly elections are scheduled in two phases on November 6 and 11, with counting set for November 14. The BJP and its NDA allies are emphasizing law-and-order reforms, development projects, and welfare schemes, while attempting to highlight alleged criminal elements in opposition parties like the RJD.
Shah also reiterated the NDA’s narrative of transforming Bihar from a state once plagued by ‘jungle raj’, referring to the lawlessness allegedly prevalent under Lalu Prasad Yadav and Rabri Devi’s rule two decades ago. He suggested that voters in Saran district—historically affected by this lawlessness—are best positioned to appreciate the NDA’s progress and leadership.
Key Takeaways from Shah’s Campaign
- Security Concerns: By highlighting RJD’s candidate Shahabuddin’s son, Shah aimed to raise questions about the safety and governance under opposition parties.
- Development Achievements: Extensive infrastructure work, including roads, colleges, and healthcare, was emphasized as evidence of NDA’s progress in Bihar.
- Welfare Measures: Transfers to ‘Jeevika Didis’ and tax reductions were highlighted as examples of direct benefits to citizens.
- Election Timing: By connecting welfare initiatives to the electoral calendar, Shah sought to create a positive narrative leading up to the November elections.
The Union Home Minister’s comments are part of the NDA’s aggressive campaign strategy, aiming to consolidate voter support by juxtaposing development and governance with alleged criminal affiliations of opposition candidates.
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