As Bihar gears up for the upcoming Assembly elections, political temperatures are rising, with accusations flying between the ruling and opposition parties. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has recently launched a scathing attack on the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), alleging a "mafia alliance" due to the reported fielding of Mohammad Shahabuddin's son, Osama Shahab, in the upcoming polls.

Mohammad Shahabuddin, a controversial figure in Bihar's political history, was a four-time Member of Parliament from Siwan and a prominent leader of the RJD. However, he was also known for his involvement in numerous criminal cases, including kidnapping, murder, and extortion. He was convicted in multiple cases and sentenced to life imprisonment, which led to his disqualification from contesting elections. Shahabuddin died in 2021 while serving his sentence in Delhi's Tihar Jail.

The BJP's allegations stem from reports suggesting that the RJD is planning to field Osama Shahab from the Raghunathpur constituency. This move is seen by some as an attempt by the RJD to consolidate its Muslim-Yadav (MY) vote bank in the region. Osama Shahab's potential candidacy has gained traction after a local RJD MLA, Harishankar Yadav, offered him his seat and publicly endorsed him as the party's candidate.

The BJP has seized upon this development to accuse the RJD of aligning with the "mafia" and promoting a culture of crime and impunity. The party alleges that by fielding Osama, the RJD is attempting to capitalize on his father's image and legacy, despite his criminal past. This, according to the BJP, demonstrates the RJD's disregard for the rule of law and its willingness to compromise on principles for political gain.

The RJD, however, has defended its decision, arguing that Osama Shahab is a young and educated individual who deserves an opportunity to serve the people. Party leaders have also emphasized that Osama is not his father and should not be judged based on his father's actions. They claim that the BJP is deliberately targeting Osama to tarnish the RJD's image and polarize voters.

The political landscape in Bihar is currently witnessing intense activity as parties finalize their candidates and strategies for the upcoming elections. The NDA, which includes the BJP, Janata Dal (United) [JD(U)], Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular), and Rashtriya Lok Morcha, has announced its seat-sharing arrangement. The opposition INDIA bloc, which includes the RJD, Congress, and other regional parties, is still working out its seat-sharing formula.

The Bihar Assembly elections are scheduled to be held in two phases on November 6 and November 11, with the counting of votes on November 14. The outcome of the elections will determine the future of Bihar's political landscape and the direction of its development.