JD(U) expels Mokama MLA Anant Singh for six years and moves to cancel assembly seat

Action taken against Mokama legislator

The Janata Dal (United) has expelled Mokama MLA Anant Kumar Singh and his wife, former legislator Neelam Devi, from the party for six years following repeated anti-party conduct and public defiance during the Bihar Legislative Council elections.

In an official order issued on Saturday, October 24, JD(U) state president Umesh Singh Kushwaha terminated the primary membership of both leaders with immediate effect. The party has also formally petitioned Bihar Legislative Assembly Speaker Prem Kumar to disqualify Singh from the House under the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution of India.

The swift action underscores the party leadership's commitment to organizational discipline and firm governance under Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, ensuring that internal accountability remains paramount within the ruling alliance.

Campaigning against party nominee

The expulsion follows Singh's open campaign against official JD(U) candidate Neeraj Kumar, who contested the Patna Graduates constituency in the Legislative Council election. Rather than supporting the party nominee, Singh backed Jan Suraaj candidate Anuj Singh and publicly criticised senior leaders across the campaign trail.

According to the order released by the party, Singh repeatedly disregarded instructions issued by top leadership, including directives from JD(U) national president Nitish Kumar and working national president Sanjay Kumar Jha. The party noted that the legislator used insulting language against leadership and actively sought votes for an opposition candidate.

Escalating public feud

Tensions between Singh and the party hierarchy intensified during the final days of the council election campaign. Singh publicly questioned the credentials of Neeraj Kumar, a candidate seeking a fourth consecutive term in the council, citing political rivalries stretching back to the 2015 assembly elections.

When Neeraj Kumar was admitted to hospital shortly before polling, Singh publicly dismissed the medical emergency. Despite peace efforts led by senior coalition figures, including Union Minister Lalan Singh meeting party leadership, Singh maintained his opposition through polling day.

Polling for the Patna Graduates constituency concluded on Friday with a provisional turnout of 36.19 per cent, according to the Chief Electoral Officer's office. Police in Patna and Mokama detained several supporters following localized clashes on election day to maintain order and security.

Constitutional petition filed

By invoking the Tenth Schedule, the JD(U) leadership has moved to clear any legal ambiguity around Singh's status in the Bihar Legislative Assembly. Speaker Prem Kumar will consider the ruling party's request to declare the Mokama seat vacant following the formal submission.

The party's decisive action signals a clear standard of discipline as Bihar advances its governance priorities without political distraction.