Bihar Elections: These 5 'Missing' Leaders Are Back, Will They Matter In 2025?
As Bihar gears up for the 2025 Assembly elections, political observers are watching for possible comebacks by several once-prominent leaders who had slipped into anonymity or political exile over the years. Once influential figures in state politics, these leaders are now being courted by both the NDA and the Mahagathbandhan, as well as Prashant Kishor's Jan Suraj Party, as alliances try to shore up caste-based support and grassroots clout.
Though sidelined for various reasons, these leaders have not been politically irrelevant. Most have had long associations with either Lalu Prasad Yadav or Nitish Kumar, and some still wield significant local or caste-based influence. Here's a look at five such figures who may attempt a return to relevance in the coming election cycle.
1. Nagmani Kushwaha
Once a trusted ally of both Lalu Prasad Yadav and Nitish Kumar, Nagmani retains a notable following among Bihar's Kushwaha (Koiri) community, which constitutes 4-5% of the state's population. The former Union minister faded from public view after exiting the Rashtriya Lok Samta Party (RLSP) post-2014. However, he appears to be making a strategic re-entry through his wife Suchitra Sinha and son Sudarshan Singh. His plan for 2025 reportedly hinges on consolidating the Kushwaha vote to enhance his bargaining power in potential alliances. Sources say both the RJD and Jan Suraj are showing interest in him.
Former Jehanabad MP Arun Kumar, a significant Bhumihar leader, remains a wildcard. Though presently aligned with the Lok Janshakti Party, he's long been searching for a stable political base since his fallout with RLSP chief Upendra Kushwaha. Kumar, who was elected to Parliament in 2014, has alternated between supporting Nitish Kumar and making controversial statements, once famously saying he would 'rub dal on his chest" in protest. Political watchers won't be surprised if he takes center stage again in this election.
3. Dadan Pehelwan
Known for his muscleman image in the Buxar region, Dadan Pehelwan (also known as Dadan Yadav) has long commanded Yadav and Muslim support. A former independent MLA, he's been part of both the RJD and JDU, and once contested on a BSP ticket. Post-2015, legal troubles and dwindling political activity pushed him to the margins. But he's reportedly preparing for a comeback, either independently or through a smaller party. His close connect with the electorate in Buxar and adjoining areas makes him a potential disruptor on a few key seats.
4. Renu Kushwaha
A prominent face from the Kushwaha community, Renu Kushwaha has been associated with both the JDU and RJD in the past. After being denied a Lok Sabha ticket by LJP from Khagaria in 2024, she faded from the spotlight. However, her recent entry into the RJD in the presence of Tejashwi Yadav has signaled her intent to return. As a Kushwaha woman leader, she brings both caste and gender appeal to the table. Her current political strategy appears focused on social justice and women's empowerment, issues that could strike a chord with rural and semi-urban voters.
5. Jayaprakash Narayan Yadav
A longtime associate of Lalu Prasad Yadav, Jayaprakash Narayan Yadav has largely withdrawn from public life in recent years, especially after his daughter's defeat in the last election. However, within the RJD, he's still seen as someone with deep connections in the Yadav community, a key voting bloc in Bihar. While his influence has waned since 2010, a renewed role in party politics could help the RJD tap into legacy support and consolidate its base. Party insiders believe his reactivation in 2025 could be a tactical asset for Tejashwi Yadav.
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Bihar, India, India
First Published:
July 31, 2025, 17:32 IST
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