The sway of royal families in electoral politics continues even in 2020. India has seen members of erstwhile royal families become Prime Minister, Chief Ministers, Ministers and be elected as parliamentarians and legislators over the years. Some have joined various political parties, while others have even contested and won independently on multiple occasions. Their ancestors’ work for their constituents and connect with the masses help royal candidates sway a lot of votes even today.
The ongoing Bihar Assembly elections are no different. Although not as many as some other states, in Bihar too scions of erstwhile princely states are in the electoral fray. When the country elected its first Lok Sabha, one of those elected was Kamal Bahadur Singh who contested as an Independent and won. Singh was Maharaja of Dumraon state and commanded respect across party lines till his demise early this year. Kamal Bahadur’s grandson Shivang Vijay Singh has entered the electoral fray this time from the Dumraon seat as an independent candidate. Hoping to replicate his grandfather’s work for the district, he is going village to village, generating a great response. Singh believes the locals still appreciate the good work done by the Dumraon royal family and will give him a chance to represent the constituency.
Another royal contesting this time and an achiever in her own right is Shreyasi Singh. Shreyasi is an Arjuna awardee and Commonwealth Games gold medal winning shooter. Singh joined the BJP ahead of the elections and is contesting from the Jamui seat. Shreyasi hails from the Gidhaur royal family and has a strong political legacy. Her father Digvijay Singh was former Union Minister and parliamentarian from Banka seat. After his demise, his wife Putul Kumari took over the political mantle and was also elected to Parliament from the same constituency. Shreyasi is an electoral debutante this time but is seeming very comfortable while interacting with locals in her campaign. She is a recognisable face for the area and is also relying on the regard the people have for her father and the family’s work for the area.
Seeking re-election this time, Narkatiaganj MLA Vinay Verma has been given a ticket by the Congress again. He is connected with the Shikarpur family of the Champaran region. Royal candidates always add colour and glamour apart from heft to any election but only the voters will decide whether they get elected or not, which we will get to know on 10 November.