At a campaign rally in Siwan, Bihar, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma stirred political debate by declaring that the victory of Shahabuddin’s son would be a “defeat for Hindus.” His comments came while addressing voters in support of his party’s candidate for the upcoming Bihar Assembly election. The rally was attended by hundreds of supporters, and Sarma’s speech quickly became one of the most discussed moments of the campaign.
Referring to Osama Shahab, son of the late gangster-turned-politician Mohammad Shahabuddin, Sarma said that the election in Siwan was not just a political contest but a battle for the “protection of Hindu culture.” He urged voters to reject candidates who, in his view, symbolised a return to criminal politics and divisive history.
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Political context and significance
The remarks came as the Bihar Assembly election campaign reached a heated phase. The Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) has fielded Osama Shahab from the Raghunathpur constituency, a seat long associated with his father’s political influence. Sarma, known for his fiery speeches, used the occasion to position the contest as one of cultural and religious identity rather than party politics.
By calling the potential victory of Shahabuddin’s son a “defeat for Hindus,” Sarma appealed directly to the Hindu voter base. He claimed that allowing candidates like Osama to win would “weaken the moral and social fabric” of the state. The statement drew loud applause from the crowd but also sparked criticism from opposition leaders who accused him of communalising the campaign.
Comparing ideologies and historical symbolism
In his speech, Himanta Biswa Sarma often draws parallels between contemporary politics and historical symbolism. During the Bihar rally, he said the contest represented a clash between “Ram and Ravan” or “truth and terror.” He urged the people of Bihar to vote for leaders who respect religious values and reject those who, in his words, “carry the legacy of crime and fear.”
This rhetorical strategy is not new for Sarma. Over recent years, he has positioned himself as one of the strongest advocates of Hindu identity in Indian politics. His speeches often combine cultural references with political commentary to energise his party’s core supporters. However, his sharp tone and communal references have also led critics to accuse him of deepening divisions in society.
Opposition reaction and criticism
Opposition parties, including the RJD and Congress, criticised Sarma’s comments, saying they were aimed at polarising voters. RJD leaders stated that Osama Shahab should be judged by his own record and not by his father’s legacy or by religious identity. They accused the Assam Chief Minister of trying to divert attention from real issues such as unemployment, poverty, and infrastructure.
Several political analysts noted that Sarma’s statement reflects a deliberate strategy to consolidate the Hindu vote in key constituencies. They believe such remarks are designed to appeal emotionally to voters rather than focus on development and governance. However, his supporters argue that he is merely warning the electorate against electing candidates with criminal backgrounds.
Role of religion in Bihar’s election narrative
The victory of Shahabuddin’s son comment highlights how religion continues to play a strong role in electoral politics. Bihar, with its complex social and communal fabric, often witnesses debates about caste, faith, and regional identity during elections. Political leaders from various parties have used symbolic language to appeal to specific communities.
For Sarma, invoking Hindu unity is part of a larger effort to frame the election as a moral and cultural contest. He linked the current political struggle to broader national themes of protecting tradition and identity. This strategy aims to strengthen his party’s presence in regions where the voter base is divided along religious lines.
Broader implications and reactions
While his speech drew cheers from sections of the crowd, it also faced backlash on social media, with many calling it divisive. Civil society members and neutral observers expressed concern that such rhetoric could shift public attention away from governance issues. They urged political leaders to focus on development, employment, and education instead of religion-based narratives.
Sarma’s remarks, however, fit into a broader pattern of high-stakes campaigning where leaders use strong emotional appeals. Political observers believe his statements are intended to boost turnout among Hindu voters by portraying the election as a test of faith and cultural preservation.
The road ahead in Bihar politics
As Bihar heads toward polling, the victory of Shahabuddin’s son remark will likely remain a defining moment in this election. It reflects the deep intersection of identity, religion, and politics in the state. The contest in Siwan has now become more than a local race; it has turned into a symbolic battleground for ideological dominance.
Whether Sarma’s words will translate into votes remains uncertain. For some, his speech reinforces their cultural identity and belief in protecting Hindu values. For others, it signals an attempt to divide voters along religious lines. Either way, the comment has intensified political discourse and will continue to shape the tone of campaigns in Bihar’s remaining phases.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s fiery rhetoric has made him one of the most visible campaigners outside his home state. His latest statement in Bihar reflects the growing trend of national leaders playing key roles in state elections. As the campaign progresses, the people of Bihar will decide whether identity-based appeals or developmental promises hold greater influence over their vote.
The upcoming results will reveal how far religious and cultural appeals, such as Sarma’s statement about the victory of Shahabuddin’s son, can shape electoral outcomes in an increasingly competitive political landscape.
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