Union Home Minister Amit Shah has strongly criticized the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) for nominating Osama Shahab, son of the late gangster-turned-politician Mohammad Shahabuddin, as a candidate in the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections. Speaking at an election rally in Saran district, Shah questioned the RJD’s commitment to public safety, asking, “How can they ensure the security of Bihar’s people if they field such candidates?”
Osama Shahab has been fielded from the Raghunathpur constituency in Siwan district, a region once considered Shahabuddin’s stronghold. The decision has reignited debates around the legacy of “Bahubali” politics in Bihar and the RJD’s electoral strategy.
Shah praised Chief Minister Nitish Kumar for transforming Bihar over the past two decades, claiming that the state had been freed from the era of “jungle raj.” He expressed confidence that the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) would return to power with its largest majority in 20 years.
The RJD, meanwhile, has defended its choice, citing Osama Shahab’s grassroots support and political potential. A viral image of Osama meeting RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav and his son Tejashwi Yadav has further fueled speculation about his role in the party’s future plans.
As campaigning intensifies, the nomination has become a flashpoint in the broader narrative of law, legacy, and leadership in Bihar’s political landscape.
