Bihar’s Wealthy Women Candidates Reshape Political Landscape

The political landscape of Bihar is being reshaped by a remarkable group of affluent women candidates in the upcoming 2025 elections. The ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) has nominated 13 women candidates from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), showcasing a striking combination of wealth and ambition. These candidates are not just contenders; they are significant players with declared assets that often eclipse those of established political figures, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Among the leading figures is Rama Nishad from Aurai in Muzaffarpur district, whose reported assets total a staggering Rs 31.85 crore. This figure includes a substantial collection of gold and silver, alongside various properties that signify her influence across both rural and urban areas. Comparatively, Modi reported personal assets of Rs 3.2 crore in 2024, positioning Nishad’s wealth nearly ten times higher than that of the Prime Minister. This disparity highlights the evolving dynamics of wealth in Bihar’s political sphere.

Another notable candidate is Manorama Devi from Belaganj in the Gayaji district, whose declared assets reach Rs 69.23 crore. Her financial portfolio includes luxury vehicles such as a Land Rover and a Fortuner, as well as extensive land holdings valued at Rs 66 crore. Devi’s wealth surpasses Modi’s by a considerable margin, reinforcing her status as a formidable candidate in this electoral race.

The wealth of these candidates varies significantly. For instance, Beena Devi from Kochadhaman constituency has declared assets of only Rs 5.35 lakh. This stark contrast illustrates the diverse economic backgrounds that exist within the NDA, showcasing a spectrum of financial statuses among the party’s candidates.

In Kishanganj, Sweety Singh stands out with assets of Rs 19.86 crore, which includes fixed deposits and substantial land holdings. Conversely, Renu Devi from Bettiah has declared total assets of Rs 7.83 crore and an annual income of Rs 23.66 lakh for the fiscal year 2025-26, alongside a loan exceeding Rs 5 lakh. Similarly, Shreyasi Singh, a rifle shooter and MLA from Jamui, has declared assets of Rs 7.62 crore and notable personal growth in income over the past five years.

The women candidates from the Janata Dal (United) (JD(U)) also present impressive financial profiles, each with significant holdings. For example, Komal Singh from Gaighat has declared assets of Rs 29.55 crore, alongside a considerable loan of Rs 15.18 crore. This contrasts with Shweta Gupta from Sheohar, who lists assets at Rs 28.39 crore and owns a fleet of luxury vehicles, including a BMW.

The profiles of these candidates illustrate a new narrative in Bihar’s political arena, where women are stepping into roles of significant power and influence. Their financial disclosures not only reflect personal wealth but also signal a shift in the traditional demographics of political candidates.

The presence of wealth in politics raises questions about the intersection of influence and governance. Power, often derived from public trust, may also be bolstered by financial resources. As Bihar prepares to cast its votes, the outcomes for these women will determine not only their political futures but also the broader implications for women’s representation in governance.

As the election date approaches, the stakes continue to rise. The financial ambitions of these candidates could redefine what it means to hold power in Bihar, transforming their fortunes into positions of authority—or leaving them with unfulfilled aspirations. The results of the elections will ultimately chart the course for these women, who now stand as pivotal figures in the political landscape of Bihar.