As the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections draw near, a massive controversy has erupted within the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), shaking the Mahagathbandhan alliance to its core. Madan Shah, a former RJD candidate from Madhuban, broke down in tears outside Rabri Niwas, the residence of former Chief Minister Rabri Devi, alleging he was denied an election ticket after refusing to pay Rs 2.7 crore to Sanjay Yadav, a close aide of RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav. This scandal has exposed deep rifts within the opposition alliance, which includes RJD, Congress, and other parties, just as nominations for the first phase of voting begin. Congress MP Jairam Ramesh has intensified the political heat, accusing Chief Minister Nitish Kumar of being a “remote-controlled” leader under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s influence. Meanwhile, the NDA is banking on its development record to sway voters. On X, #BiharElections is trending with memes, outrage, and demands for transparency. Here’s an in-depth look at this unfolding drama that could reshape Bihar’s political landscape.
The Ticket Scandal: What Happened with Madan Shah?
The controversy began when Madan Shah, a known RJD face from Madhuban, arrived at Rabri Niwas in Patna, visibly distraught. He claimed Lalu Prasad Yadav had personally assured him a ticket for the 2025 elections. However, Shah alleges that Sanjay Yadav, a key RJD figure, demanded Rs 2.7 crore to secure it. When Shah refused to pay, the ticket was given to another candidate. Videos of Shah crying and tearing his shirt in frustration have gone viral, sparking widespread shock and debate. “I trusted Lalu ji,” Shah told reporters. “He promised me the ticket, but Sanjay Yadav asked for money. I couldn’t pay, so they betrayed me. This isn’t justice.”
This public outburst has struck a chord, with many RJD supporters feeling that tickets are being “sold” to the highest bidder. Such allegations of cash-for-tickets are not new in Bihar politics, but Shah’s open accusations, backed by emotional visuals, have brought the issue to the forefront. In villages and towns, people are discussing it over chai, questioning how leaders who pay crores for tickets can truly serve the common man.
The timing couldn’t be worse for RJD. The Election Commission has announced the poll schedule, with nominations for the first phase of 81 seats already underway. The 243-seat Bihar Assembly will vote in three phases: October 28 (81 seats), November 4 (78 seats), and November 13 (84 seats), with results on November 23. This scandal risks alienating voters at a critical moment, as trust in the party wanes.
Rifts in the Mahagathbandhan: A Fractured Alliance?
The Mahagathbandhan, comprising RJD, Congress, CPI(ML), and other smaller parties, was formed to challenge the NDA’s dominance. But the alliance is showing signs of strain. The Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), a former ally, recently announced it will contest six seats independently, citing “contradictions and betrayal” in seat-sharing talks. JMM leader Supriyo Bhattacharya said, “We gave Congress and RJD respect in our government, made them ministers. But in Bihar, they didn’t give us fair seats.” This defection is a significant setback for the opposition.
Within RJD, discontent is brewing over ticket distribution. Critics point to favoritism, with 41 Yadav candidates in the first list of 121—34% of tickets for a community that makes up just 14% of Bihar’s population. Meanwhile, Muslims, who form 18% of the state, received only 7% of tickets. This imbalance has fueled accusations of nepotism and sidelining other communities. Congress, too, faces backlash for controversial picks, such as a candidate linked to an abusive remark against the PM.
Tejashwi Yadav, RJD’s de facto leader, is working to contain the damage, holding meetings to pacify rebels. But the alliance’s 2020 performance—losing narrowly to the NDA with 110 seats to 125—suggests unity is critical. With internal fights now public, the Mahagathbandhan risks losing voter confidence, especially in a state where issues like floods, unemployment, and education are top concerns.
Political Reactions: Slams and Counters
Congress MP Jairam Ramesh has sharpened the opposition’s attack, labeling Nitish Kumar a “remote-controlled chief minister” under the influence of PM Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah. “Bihar’s voters will reject this puppet government,” Ramesh declared, predicting a Mahagathbandhan victory. This narrative aims to portray Nitish as a weak leader, a strategy to sway undecided voters.
The NDA, led by Nitish’s JD(U) and BJP, is countering with a focus on governance. Haryana CM Nayab Singh Saini, campaigning in Bihar, said, “People trust Nitish ji’s work. The NDA will form the government again with a strong mandate.” The NDA is targeting Dalit voters, leveraging leaders like Chirag Paswan and Jitan Ram Manjhi. Paswan hinted at flexibility, saying, “If my mother asks, I might take fewer seats for the alliance’s sake.” The NDA highlights infrastructure, electricity, and job creation as their achievements.
Tejashwi Yadav responded to Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s attacks, referencing an old legal case and saying, “Don’t fear outsiders. We’ll fight BJP tooth and nail.” But the RJD scandal has put the opposition on the defensive. A Patna voter shared, “We want leaders who serve us, not those buying seats with crores.”
Social Media Buzz: Memes, Outrage, and Calls for Change
X is ablaze with #BiharElections, amplifying the scandal’s reach. Posts about Madan Shah’s breakdown are trending, with one user writing, “RJD in chaos, Sanjay Yadav allegedly asking 3 crore for tickets.” Another posted, “If tickets cost 2 crore, how will leaders not loot us later?” Memes depicting Rabri Niwas as a “ticket shop” are circulating widely. BJP supporters are mocking JMM’s exit as proof of Mahagathbandhan’s “infighting.”
Beyond the scandal, voters are vocal about real issues. One post read, “Forget tickets, focus on floods, jobs, and schools.” The viral nature of these posts, especially among young voters, could influence perceptions as the campaign intensifies.
Background: Bihar Elections 2025 and Key Issues
Bihar’s 243-seat assembly is a battleground of caste and development. In 2020, the NDA secured 125 seats, narrowly defeating the Mahagathbandhan’s 110. Nitish Kumar, after multiple alliance switches, is now firmly with the BJP-led NDA. The Election Commission has introduced 17 reforms, including webcasting at polling booths and improved voter lists, but controversies like voter deletions persist.
Dalits (20% of the population) are a key demographic, with NDA banking on Paswan and Manjhi’s appeal, while the opposition aims to broaden its Muslim-Yadav (MY) base. Voter concerns include unemployment, migration, floods, the liquor ban, and education. North Bihar’s annual floods and youth migration for jobs remain pressing issues, and this scandal risks overshadowing these real challenges.
What This Means for Bihar’s Future
The RJD scandal could tarnish the Mahagathbandhan’s image, painting it as divided and money-driven. The NDA, projecting stability, may gain an edge, especially if they capitalize on development narratives. However, if the opposition unites around issues like jobs and reservations, they could regain ground. As political analyst Sanjay Kumar said, “Elections in Bihar are won on hope and trust, not cash deals.”
Voters will have the final say. With polling starting in just over a week, Bihar’s political saga is far from over. Expect more twists as the campaign heats up.
FAQs on Bihar Election Drama and 2025 Polls
Q1: What is the RJD ticket scandal about?
Madan Shah, a former RJD candidate from Madhuban, alleges he was denied a ticket after refusing to pay Rs 2.7 crore to Sanjay Yadav, an aide of Lalu Prasad Yadav. Shah broke down outside Rabri Niwas, claiming betrayal despite Lalu’s promise. This has sparked accusations of tickets being sold, eroding trust in RJD.
Q2: When are the Bihar Assembly Elections 2025?
The elections will occur in three phases: October 28 (81 seats), November 4 (78 seats), and November 13 (84 seats). Results will be announced on November 23. Nominations for the first phase are currently underway.
Q3: What did Jairam Ramesh say about Nitish Kumar?
Congress MP Jairam Ramesh called Nitish Kumar a “remote-controlled chief minister” under PM Modi and Amit Shah’s influence. He predicts Bihar voters will reject the NDA and favor the Mahagathbandhan.
Q4: Why is JMM contesting alone?
JMM announced it will fight six seats independently due to “contradictions and betrayal” in seat-sharing with RJD and Congress, feeling sidelined despite supporting them in Jharkhand.
Q5: What are the key issues in Bihar’s 2025 elections?
Key issues include unemployment, migration, floods, education, and the liquor ban. Dalit votes (20% of the population) are crucial, alongside controversies like voter list deletions.
Q6: How is social media reacting to the scandal?
The #BiharElections hashtag is trending on X, with memes and posts slamming RJD’s alleged cash-for-ticket deals. Users demand transparency, while some highlight broader issues like floods and jobs.