Bihar, Bahubalis And Their 'Situationship' With Party, Politics And Voters

Bihar Polls 2025: Situationship, a term popular among Gen Z, finds a sharp resonance in Bihar's politics, particularly in its entanglements with ‘bahubalis’ (strongmen). With its complex caste arithmetic, the state has, for decades, returned several bahubalis to power, who, often buoyed by the support of voters from their own caste, secured electoral victories with relative ease. The model of strongmen entering the electoral arena gained prominence when Mohammad Shahabuddin won as an Independent candidate in 1990, setting the template for a new era where muscle, influence, and patronage became central to political success.

Over the years, these figures have carved niches in constituencies where their sway often outweighs party ideology. They are not merely candidates; they are power brok