Janata Dal United Expels Mokama Lawmaker Anant Singh for Six Years

Ruling party officials in Bihar expelled Mokama legislator Anant Kumar Singh and his spouse, former legislator Neelam Devi, from the political organization for six years on Saturday following weeks of intense internal defiance.

The disciplinary action was ordered by Bihar Janata Dal United president Umesh Singh Kushwaha after the lawmaker actively campaigned against official nominee Neeraj Kumar in the legislative council elections for the Patna Graduates constituency.

Instead of supporting the party choice, the legislator backed Jan Suraaj candidate Anuj Singh, escalating a long-standing political feud that dates back to the 2005 assembly elections.

The conflict highlights deep fractures within the ruling coalition as local leaders clash over candidate selections and party loyalty ahead of broader legislative battles in the state.

“Neeraj has always fought elections in Nitish Kumar's name,” said Anant Singh, criticizing the official nominee during the campaign trail.

“He has got no credibility of his own. What contribution has he made to the party?”

Alongside the expulsions, party leaders filed a formal petition with Bihar Legislative Assembly Speaker Prem Kumar, urging him to declare the legislator's assembly seat null and void under the anti-defection provisions of the constitution.

The political rift intensified during voting when supporters of the rival factions clashed in Mokama, prompting police intervention and several detentions.

“These tactics won't work,” said Anant Singh regarding the police action against his close associates.

“My people have been detained at several police stations. This will only benefit us.”

Neeraj Kumar expressed confidence in securing victory as the National Democratic Alliance candidate despite the active opposition from within his own political ranks.

The Patna Graduates constituency recorded a provisional voter turnout of 36.19 percent as election officials awaited the final vote tally.