Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Thursday mounted a sharp critique of the Mahagatbandhan coalition in Bihar, focusing particularly on RJD candidate Osama Shahab, son of the late notorious gangster Mohammad Shahabuddin. Speaking at a rally in Siwan, a key constituency in Bihar, CM Yogi warned voters about the resurgence of what he termed “ek khandani mafia,” asserting that Shahab aimed to reclaim influence in the region. His remarks were received with enthusiastic cheers by the audience, who responded positively to the contrast drawn between Bihar’s current political trajectory and Uttar Pradesh’s law-and-order scenario under the BJP-led administration.

Addressing the crowd, CM Yogi emphasized that the emergence of dynastic criminal elements in Bihar’s politics could jeopardize the security and development of the state. He stated, “Ek khandani mafia wahan par phir se kabza karna chahta hai,” pointing to the Raghunathpur constituency, historically associated with criminal-political nexus due to Shahabuddin’s influence. Yogi added that Uttar Pradesh had already taken decisive steps against similar mafia elements, asserting, “In Uttar Pradesh, we’ve bulldozed these mafias to pieces, opening the doors of hell for them.” This statement underscored his government’s approach to dismantling organized crime and asserting state authority, contrasting it with what he portrayed as Bihar’s vulnerability to the return of “muscle and fear” politics.

CM Yogi further elaborated on the progress in Uttar Pradesh under his leadership, highlighting the state’s transformation over the past eight and a half years. He noted, “Ab Uttar Pradesh mein danga nahi, sab changa hai,” emphasizing the absence of communal or caste-based riots, which had historically plagued parts of the state. He detailed the punitive measures against individuals attempting to incite riots, including imprisonment and confiscation of their properties, which were then repurposed for public welfare initiatives, such as housing for the underprivileged. By presenting these achievements, Yogi sought to convey a message that effective governance, stringent law enforcement, and accountability for criminal activity were essential pillars of development and societal stability.

In his speech, Yogi drew a direct link between law and order and broader developmental goals. He urged Bihar voters to reject political parties that enabled or tolerated the rise of criminal dynasties, framing the upcoming assembly elections as a choice between continued instability and the promise of progress under the NDA. He stated, “For a developed India, we need a developed Bihar, and for a developed Bihar, we need an NDA government. Under the leadership of CM Nitish Kumar and the guidance of PM Modi, we must re-establish the NDA government in Bihar.” Through this rhetoric, Yogi reinforced the NDA’s narrative of combining strong governance with socio-economic development as a model for ensuring both safety and prosperity for the people of Bihar.

The criticism of RJD’s candidate, Osama Shahab, was particularly pointed, given the historical association of his family with criminality. Mohammad Shahabuddin, Osama’s father, had been a controversial figure in Bihar, with a criminal record that included multiple convictions and a reputation for wielding fear to consolidate political influence. The BJP has strategically highlighted this connection in its campaign, questioning whether a party that fields candidates from such backgrounds could be entrusted with maintaining law and order in the state. Union Home Minister Amit Shah, commenting on Osama Shahab’s candidature, asked pointedly, “Can Bihar remain safe if RJD gives the election ticket to Shahabuddin’s son?” This line of questioning was intended to underscore the risks associated with dynastic criminal politics and reinforce the NDA’s campaign message of governance free from coercion and intimidation.

The Bihar assembly elections are scheduled to be conducted in two phases, on November 6 and November 11, with vote counting slated for November 14. The timing of CM Yogi’s rally in Siwan was strategically significant, as it sought to influence voter sentiment in constituencies considered sensitive or prone to influence by entrenched local power structures. By highlighting his own state’s experience in successfully tackling criminal elements while maintaining social harmony, Yogi aimed to offer a blueprint of governance that he suggested could be replicated in Bihar under NDA rule.

In addition to law-and-order narratives, the NDA has presented a comprehensive development-focused manifesto for the Bihar assembly elections. Key promises include the creation of employment opportunities for one crore youth, the establishment of one crore ‘Lakhpathi Didi’ programs aimed at empowering women economically, and the expansion of metro train services across four major cities. The manifesto also envisions the development of seven international airports in the state, along with seven expressways and ten industrial parks, highlighting infrastructure growth as a core component of the government’s vision for Bihar.

Education and social welfare have been given prominent attention in the manifesto, with pledges to provide free quality education from kindergarten through postgraduate levels. Special emphasis has been placed on marginalized communities, with a promise of ₹2,000 monthly assistance for SC/ST students pursuing higher education. These initiatives are framed as part of a broader commitment to inclusive growth and equitable access to resources, aimed at enhancing human capital and enabling long-term economic transformation in the state.

CM Yogi’s emphasis on development and law and order in Uttar Pradesh serves multiple strategic purposes in the context of Bihar elections. Firstly, it reinforces the narrative of the NDA as a party capable of delivering stability, governance, and progress, contrasting with the perceived vulnerabilities of the opposition. Secondly, it seeks to resonate with voters concerned about crime, corruption, and political nepotism, particularly in constituencies with histories of organized criminal influence. By invoking concrete examples from UP, including the effective dismantling of mafia networks, Yogi provides tangible evidence to support the campaign’s claims of efficacy and accountability.

The focus on Osama Shahab’s candidacy also highlights the continued politicization of criminal records in Indian electoral politics. The BJP’s campaign strategy has increasingly sought to link governance failures and public safety concerns to the background of political candidates, framing voter choice as a decision between security and risk. In this context, Yogi’s remarks serve both as a warning to the electorate and as a reinforcement of the party’s broader law-and-order credentials.

Beyond electoral messaging, the rally also underscored the NDA’s emphasis on social welfare and infrastructure as key pillars of governance. The combination of strict law enforcement with development-oriented policies aims to project a holistic model of governance, addressing both immediate concerns about safety and long-term aspirations for economic growth, education, and social equity. By highlighting these measures, the NDA seeks to appeal to a broad cross-section of voters, including women, youth, and economically disadvantaged communities, reinforcing its image as a party committed to inclusive development.

The upcoming Bihar assembly elections are being closely watched across the country, given the state’s political significance and the high stakes involved for national and regional parties. With both law-and-order narratives and development promises taking center stage, the campaigns are likely to remain highly competitive, particularly in constituencies where the influence of criminal or dynastic political figures remains strong. The BJP’s strategy, articulated through leaders like CM Yogi Adityanath and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, emphasizes contrast, offering voters a choice between continuity of governance characterized by order and development, and the return of what it terms “mafia raj” and instability.

In summary, CM Yogi Adityanath’s rally in Siwan was a calculated political intervention ahead of the Bihar assembly elections. By targeting RJD candidate Osama Shahab, he highlighted the perceived dangers of dynastic criminal influence in politics, while simultaneously presenting Uttar Pradesh’s governance model as a template for stability, law, and development. Combined with the NDA’s comprehensive manifesto promising employment, infrastructure development, education, and social welfare, the rally was designed to reinforce voter confidence in the NDA’s ability to deliver both security and progress. The messaging was clear: Bihar has the choice to reject the politics of fear and embrace governance that prioritizes law, order, and development, aligning with the NDA’s broader vision for a prosperous and safe state.

The Bihar elections, scheduled for November 6 and 11 with counting on November 14, will serve as a litmus test for this approach, evaluating the resonance of law-and-order narratives, the appeal of development promises, and the electorate’s response to the question of criminal-political influence in the state’s governance. CM Yogi’s intervention, alongside Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s commentary, ensures that these issues remain central to the election discourse, shaping public perception in the critical weeks leading up to polling.

By combining critiques of opposition candidates with detailed accounts of development and welfare initiatives, the NDA campaign in Bihar aims to construct a narrative of contrast, competence, and comprehensive governance, seeking to consolidate support across multiple segments of the electorate in the crucial run-up to the elections.