How Gangster Ashok Mahto and Wife Anita Kumari Became Players in Bihar Elections

Gangster Ashok Mahto remains in jail, but his influence continues symbolically. Among Kurmis, he is remembered as someone who “stood up” against upper-caste dominance. His life inspired a Netflix crime series.

Mahto’s story reveals a key truth about Bihar: caste identity often transforms criminal notoriety into political power. Political leaders from various parties exploit the sway held by caste-based gangsters.

Caste and Conflict in Bihar Politics

Mahto’s conflicts have a lasting caste dimension. Bhumihars tend to side with Akhilesh Singh, while backward communities usually support Ashok Mahto. Few figures capture the violent mix of caste, crime, and politics in Bihar like Mahto, a feared gangster from Nalanda district whose story reflects the state’s turbulent 1990s and 2000s.

Recent Developments

In 2024, Mahto gained attention by announcing he was looking for a bride. Convicted and barred from election contests, the 62-year-old married Anita Kumari, a pharmacist sixteen years his junior. This marriage reportedly followed a promise by RJD supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav to secure Anita a party ticket.

“This time around, Anita is contesting from the Warisaliganj Assembly seat against sitting BJP legislator Aruna Devi, the wife of another gangster and Mahto’s arch-rival Akhilesh Singh, an upper-caste strongman.”

Summary

Ashok Mahto’s life story showcases how caste-based crime and politics intertwine in Bihar, with his wife Anita now directly entering the electoral arena.

Author’s summary: Ashok Mahto’s symbolic power persists through caste dynamics, influencing Bihar’s political scene as his wife Anita contests elections, reflecting deep-rooted ties between crime, caste, and politics.

Outlook India — 2025-11-06