Siwan strongman late Shahabuddin’s wife, Hina Shahab, had personally appealed for her son’s electoral debut in Bihar politics
NEW DELHI/PATNA —Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad Yadav has fulfilled his long-standing promise to the family of late party strongman Mohammad Shahabuddin. The RJD has announced Osama Shahab, son of the late leader, as its official candidate from Raghunathpur constituency in Siwan district.
The announcement came on Tuesday as part of the RJD’s list of candidates for several key constituencies. Along with Osama Shahab, Awadh Bihari Chaudhary has been fielded from Siwan, while Akhtarul Shaheen has been given the ticket from Samastipur.
Party insiders said that Lalu Yadav had made a personal commitment to Hina Shahab, widow of the late Shahabuddin, to give her son an opportunity in active politics. Hina had met both Lalu Prasad and Tejashwi Yadav earlier this year, urging them to consider Osama for the Raghunathpur seat.
After that meeting, she had told reporters: “Raghunathpur is our traditional seat. My husband served the people here with loyalty and commitment. I want my son Osama to continue his legacy.”
According to party sources, Lalu Yadav had assured her during that meeting that her request would be honoured, a promise now fulfilled.
In a significant show of loyalty to the party leadership, sitting MLA Harishankar Yadav stepped aside to make way for Osama Shahab. Harishankar, who had won the seat twice for RJD, reportedly agreed without hesitation when asked to vacate it for the late leader’s son.
“I have complete faith in Lalu ji’s decision. Osama is young and carries the legacy of a great leader. The people of Raghunathpur will support him,” Harishankar said.
The Raghunathpur seat is considered one of RJD’s strongholds in Siwan, having been dominated by the party for several years. Political observers believe Lalu’s move is both emotional and strategic, aiming to consolidate Muslim-Yadav votes and rekindle Shahabuddin’s once formidable influence in the region.
Mohammad Shahabuddin, once regarded as a powerful figure in Siwan politics and a close aide of Lalu Prasad Yadav, passed away in 2021 due to COVID-19 complications while in prison. His death left a void in the RJD’s local leadership.
Now, with Osama entering the fray, many in Siwan see it as a revival of Shahabuddin’s political legacy.
Local RJD workers gathered outside Hina Shahab’s residence in celebration after the announcement.
“This is not just a political decision; it’s an emotional one. The people of Siwan still remember Shahabuddin Sahab for his service and strength. His son will carry that name forward,” said Mohammad Arif, a local party worker.
Political experts view this development as a calculated move by Lalu Yadav to strengthen RJD’s traditional support base. Prof NK Sinha, a Patna-based political analyst, commented, “The decision to give Osama the ticket is more about legacy politics. The Shahabuddin family still commands strong emotional ties in Siwan.”
Meanwhile, supporters of Osama have started campaigning energetically in the constituency. Posters of Osama with his father’s image have appeared across Raghunathpur, with slogans reading “Waqt aa gaya hai, Shahabuddin ka beta aa gaya hai” (The time has come, Shahabuddin’s son has arrived).
Osama Shahab and his mother Hina Shahab officially joined RJD in October 2024, ending years of speculation about their political future. Hina, who had contested earlier elections as an independent, had repeatedly expressed her faith in Lalu Yadav’s leadership.
Speaking to media persons after the announcement, she said with tears in her eyes, “Lalu ji has honoured his word. My son will serve the people just like his father did. This is a moment of pride for our family.”
The coming election will determine whether Osama Shahab can uphold the legacy of his father, a man both feared and admired in equal measure, and re-establish the Shahabuddin family’s political influence in Siwan.
