Lalan Singh: The Bhumihar Behind Bihar's Political Throne

Rajiv Ranjan, also known as Lalan Singh, is a Senior JD(U) leader and a close aide to Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. Despite his Bhumihar caste's small size, it wields significant political influence in Bihar. Singh has played key roles in alliances and has had a fluctuating political journey.

Rajiv Ranjan, popularly known as Lalan Singh, was inducted into the Narendra Modi government as a minister on Sunday. The Senior JD(U) leader has long been a close aide to Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, forming a cornerstone of Kumar's political strength due to his Bhumihar caste’s significant influence despite its small size.

Singh was instrumental in forging the JD(U)-RJD alliance in 2022. Political analysts note that while Yadavs and Muslims are traditional RJD bases, Bhumihars and other upper castes have consistently backed Singh, especially in regions like Munger, Jamalpur, and Lakhisarai.

Rumors of a rift between Singh and Nitish Kumar surfaced recently as political landscapes shifted. Singh, however, secured the Munger Lok Sabha seat for the third time, previously representing Begusarai from 2004 to 2009. Despite a setback in 2014, Kumar supported Singh’s nomination to the Rajya Sabha and later made him the JD(U)'s national president. Singh's resilience and elevation in political ranks, even amidst electoral losses, showcase his enduring influence, though not without causing unrest within the party, exemplified by Gyanendra Singh Gyanu's defection to the BJP with 12 MLAs.