In India’s Bihar state, convicted politicians turn to wives to hold office
Barred from running for election, at least six field their spouses as candidates in Bihar state
Indian politicians whose criminal convictions have prevented them from running in the nation's general election are fielding their wives as candidates in this year's race instead.
Following a Supreme Court ruling last year that barred people convicted of crimes carrying prison terms of at least two years from continuing to serve in office or running again in federal and state elections, the political careers of more than a dozen leaders in Bihar state ended.
But, in an attempt to regain their clout, at least half a dozen politicians who have criminal convictions or are currently serving time in jail have fielded their wives as candidates in the month-long general election that began on Monday.
These politicians include former members of parliament and a former chief minister of Bihar.
Former MP Mohammad Shahabuddin, who is in jail for abduction with intent to murder, has fielded his wife, Heena Shahab, as a Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) candidate in Siwan. It is the second time she has run.
"In 2009 I was new in politics and I could not campaign the way I needed. So I lost that time," Shahab, 41, said. "This time I am campaigning quite well. I am sure I shall win this time."
Former legislator Ranbir Yadav, a convicted murderer, has placed both his wives in politics. Yadav's first wife, Poonam Devi, won a position as a Bihar state legislator running for the Janata Dal (United) party in 2010.
