Inside Bihar’s Violent Elections: When Strongmen Rule the Ballot Box

The murder of 75-year-old Dular Chand Yadav, a feared local strongman from Mokama, just before the first phase of Bihar's elections, marked a major escalation in political tensions. Yadav had campaigned for the Jan Suraaj Party candidate Priyadarshi Piyush, opposing rival strongmen Anant Singh (JD-U) and Suraj Bhan (RJD).

Yadav was killed on October 30 in the Khushal Chak area of Mokama while supporting the Jan Suraaj Party. Allegedly, Anant Singh’s associates were responsible for the killing, leading to Singh's arrest amid growing local outrage.

Though never an MLA himself, Yadav commanded significant influence and fear comparable to elected officials in the region.

Political Violence in Bihar: A Deep-Rooted Issue

The incident underscores Bihar’s persistent and troubling link between crime and politics. Political violence has been deeply embedded in the state's history and frequently resurfaces during elections, reflecting a long-standing pattern of power struggles enforced by force.

“Voting in Bihar is never without bloodshed.”

Historical Context of Power and Violence

This culture of political bloodshed is part of a broader historical narrative. From ancient rulers like Ashok and Aurangzeb to contemporary political assassinations worldwide, the connection between power and violence has been an enduring theme.

Timeline of the Incident

October 30: Dular Chand Yadav was murdered in Mokama while campaigning.
November 6: The first phase of Bihar elections concluded.
Shortly after Yadav’s death: Anant Singh was arrested in connection with the murder.

This murder significantly intensified local anger and political unrest in the region as the elections progressed.

“Dular Chand Yadav was never an MLA, but his status and fear were no less than that of any MLA.”

Author’s summary: The killing of influential strongman Dular Chand Yadav reveals Bihar’s chronic blend of crime and politics, where electoral contests often ignite violent power struggles.

Outlook India — 2025-11-09