Shahabuddin walks out of jail after 11 years; Lalu fortifies Muslim-Yadav vote bank citadel

The timing of Shahabuddin’s release is also seen in connection with upcoming Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections to bring the minority folks into the fold of the Mahagathbandhan, comprising Janata Dal (United), Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and the Congress.

According to political analysts, statement of Shahabuddin dubbing incumbent Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar a CM of ‘circumstance’, is aimed at establishing the supremacy of RJD supremo Lalu Prasad over Kumar in the affairs of state.

“Though the granting of bail to Shahabuddin is a matter of the judiciary, one should not comment on it, but the timing is very crucial. The release is also seen in the context of Lalu’s bid to fortify his Muslim-Yadav vote bank citadel, which was almost demolished by Kumar during the previous Assembly elections,” political commentator Arvind Mohan said.

“Since Nitish Kumar is vying for the Prime Ministerial post in 2019, Shahabuddin’s release might be considered as a move to get Lalu’s support. It may also be seen as an attempt of Lalu to establish himself as the only saviour of the Muslim community in Bihar and bargain for Chief Ministerial berth for his son Tejaswi Yadav,” he added.

In terms of crime incidents in Siwan, three persons — namely BJP’s Srikant Bharti, Rajiv Roshan and journalist Rajdeo Ranjan — were murdered after JD(U) severed alliance with the BJP and in all these three killings, Shahabuddin’s name had cropped up.

The former Parliamentarian has been convicted in seven cases, while got bail in five and 27 others are still pending for trials. Interestingly, in no case, the Bihar government had moved Supreme Court for further legal course of action.

Earlier in the day, Shahabuddin came out of jail exactly at 7 am amidst much fanfare and celebrations by his supporters. The gangster left in a convoy of over 300 vehicles for Siwan. 

In Bhagalpur and Siwan, he received a grand welcome by his supporters, including RJD Lok Sabha MP from Bhagalpur Shailesh Kumar. JDU legislator Giridhari Yadav and RJD’s Hari Shankar Yadav were also present at the jail to welcome him.

According to sources, a Kolkata-based businessman had sent a car worth Rs 1 crore for Shahabuddin for his “ghar wapasi” from Bhagalpur to Siwan, which was turned down by Shahabuddin.

Shahabuddin was also convicted for murder of JNU’s student leader and CPI (ML) office-bearer Chandrasekhar Prasad, who was gunned down in broad daylight in his hometown of Siwan.