English
English
English
Anant Singh’s political future takes a new turn after his expulsion from the JD(U). (Ing: X)
Patna: Bihar politics witnessed a fresh bout of political sparring on Sunday after Mokama MLA Anant Singh publicly questioned the future of the Janata Dal (United) following his expulsion. Making his first public appearance in Patna after the disciplinary action, the controversial regional strongman asserted that the party’s political identity and electoral strength were closely tied to Nitish Kumar.
Singh argued that the JD(U) would face a difficult political test in the absence of its most prominent leader and questioned the contribution of those currently occupying positions of authority within the organisation. He predicted that the party would fail to secure even 10 seats in the forthcoming election, adding that its actual electoral standing would become evident once voters went to the polls.
The Mokama MLA also made it clear that he had no intention of joining another political outfit. Instead, he indicated that he was prepared to establish his own party, potentially opening a new chapter in his political career and creating another point of uncertainty in Bihar’s already competitive political landscape.
Singh said he learnt about his expulsion through media reports and had not received formal communication from the party. However, he maintained that the decision did not trouble him and that he was prepared to move ahead independently.
The JD(U) expelled Anant Singh and his wife, former MLA Neelam Devi, for six years on Saturday over alleged anti-party activities. Bihar JD(U) president Umesh Singh Kushwaha announced that Singh’s primary membership had been terminated with immediate effect, citing alleged defiance of party directives, insulting remarks against senior leadership and campaigning for a rival candidate in the recent legislative council elections.
The disciplinary action followed Singh’s open support for Jan Suraaj Party candidate Anuj Singh in the council polls. He had also declared his intention to defeat JD(U) MLC Neeraj Kumar, turning the dispute into a direct challenge to the party’s electoral interests.
Singh had expressed confidence that Anuj Singh would win, arguing that voters could not be influenced simply by money and expressing faith in the electorate’s decision. The results were scheduled to be declared on October 27.
The controversy has now moved beyond party discipline. The JD(U) has approached Bihar Legislative Assembly Speaker Prem Kumar, recommending Singh’s disqualification as an MLA under the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution, which contains provisions dealing with defection by legislators. The outcome of that process could have significant implications for Singh’s position in the Assembly.
Neelam Devi’s party membership was also terminated over her alleged involvement in anti-party activities. The action against both members of the family has intensified speculation over the future of their political influence in Mokama and the wider implications for Bihar’s electoral calculations.
Despite his criticism of the JD(U) leadership, Singh sought to distinguish his political differences with the party from his personal relationship with Nitish Kumar. He maintained that there was no rift between the two and said he continued to respect the former Bihar chief minister. Singh indicated that he would have no hesitation in meeting Kumar in the future.
His position highlights a political distinction between loyalty to an individual leader and allegiance to a party organisation. While questioning the JD(U)’s future without Kumar in an active leadership role, Singh stopped short of suggesting that his personal relationship with the veteran politician had deteriorated.
Singh also invoked the authority of voters, arguing that the public would ultimately judge the conduct of both individual politicians and political parties. He maintained that the electorate would decide whether the JD(U)’s action against him was justified and would deliver its verdict through the ballot box.
The remarks come at a sensitive time for the JD(U), which has remained a major force in Bihar politics under Nitish Kumar’s leadership for nearly two decades. Any perceived weakening of the party’s leadership structure could become a significant issue as political players prepare for the next electoral contest.
Anant Singh, popularly known as Chhote Sarkar in Mokama, has built his political identity around a strong local support base and considerable influence in the constituency. His family has held the Mokama Assembly seat since 1990, apart from a brief interruption when a rival strongman won the constituency.
Singh’s political career has also been marked by legal controversies. He was convicted in a case under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, which led to his disqualification from the Bihar Assembly.
The RJD fielded his wife, Neelam Devi, in the 2022 by-election, enabling the family to retain its electoral presence in Mokama. Singh himself had contested the 2020 Assembly election on an RJD ticket.
In 2024, Neelam Devi shifted to the National Democratic Alliance, reportedly with her husband’s approval. Singh subsequently returned to the Assembly as the Mokama MLA, underscoring the family’s ability to navigate changing political alliances.
His expulsion from the JD(U) now raises fresh questions about his next political move, the future of his family’s constituency-level influence and whether a new party could emerge as a factor in Bihar’s electoral arithmetic. For the JD(U), the episode presents a challenge involving internal discipline, leadership authority and the potential political cost of a public split with a prominent regional figure.
Whether Singh’s proposed political outfit becomes a serious electoral force remains to be seen. For now, his prediction that the JD(U) will fail to win even 10 seats has added a new flashpoint to Bihar’s political debate, with the next election likely to provide the clearest test of his claim.
