Peace, the poll slogan in land of bahubalis

Peace is the poll slogan in this land of ‘bahubalis’ (musclemen) with candidates, even those with a criminal past, promising rule of law.

In front of the police station in Mokama bazaar is a poster of don-turned-politician Anant Singh, the sitting MLA, which reads, “Shanti, Vikas wa bhaichaara, Yahi Hia Chhote Sarkar K Naara” (peace, development and brotherhood, this is the poll slogan of Chhote Sarkar).

The poster of LJP candidate Kanhaya Singh, who is younger brother of ‘bahubali’ former MP Suraj Bhan Singh, reads: “Mokama me shaanti ham ne laayi hai, iske liye ham ne jaan ki baazi lagayi hai” (we have brought peace in Mokama staking our life for it). 

But for many, Anant, who has a penchant for horses and keeping wild animals as pets, is a “protector”. Anant resigned from JD(U) after a political row broke out over the murder of a Yadav man, in which his aides were jailed. RJD chief Lalu Prasad attacked him publicly and Anant was sent behind bars in a kidnapping case of a builder. He is contesting as an Independent candidate. 

The grand alliance candidate is Neeraj Kumar, who is an MLC and spokesperson of the JD(U).

Considered a suave face, Kumar's slogan to people is "Kalam aur bandook ki jung, aap rahenge kiske sang" (It is a fight between sword and the pen.

Whom will you ally with?) But his opponents say he did not work in the area and lacks connect with voters.