Patna, October 25, 2026: The Janata Dal (United) has expelled Mokama MLA Anant Kumar Singh and his wife, former MLA Neelam Devi, from the party for six years over alleged anti-party activities, following Singh’s decision to openly campaign for a rival candidate in the Bihar Legislative Council election.
The party has also sought Singh’s disqualification from the Bihar Legislative Assembly under the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution, which deals with disqualification of legislators on grounds including defection.
Primary Membership Cancelled Immediately
The expulsion order was issued by Bihar JD(U) president Umesh Singh Kushwaha on October 24.
The party said the primary memberships of both Anant Singh and Neelam Devi had been terminated with immediate effect and that the two would remain expelled for six years.
JD(U) Cites ‘Anti-Party Activities’
According to the party order, action was taken against Singh for allegedly repeatedly disregarding party instructions, using inappropriate or insulting language against senior leaders and campaigning against the JD(U)’s official candidate.
Neelam Devi was also expelled over her alleged involvement in anti-party activities.
Singh Backed Jan Suraaj Candidate
The immediate trigger for the disciplinary action was Singh’s support for Jan Suraaj Party candidate Anuj Singh in the Patna Graduates’ constituency election to the Bihar Legislative Council.
JD(U) had fielded sitting MLC and party spokesperson Neeraj Kumar, who was seeking another term from the constituency.
Campaigned Against His Own Party Nominee
Despite repeated efforts by senior JD(U) leaders to persuade him to back Neeraj Kumar, Singh continued campaigning for Anuj Singh.
He reportedly participated in roadshows and publicly urged voters to defeat the JD(U) candidate.
Long-Running Rivalry With Neeraj Kumar
Singh and Neeraj Kumar have had a long-running political rivalry in Mokama and surrounding areas.
Singh has argued that Neeraj Kumar had worked against him during earlier elections and said this was why he did not want to support him in the Legislative Council contest.
Senior Leaders Tried to Resolve Dispute
Senior JD(U) leaders reportedly attempted to resolve the differences before disciplinary action was taken.
Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh, also known as Lalan Singh, was among those who tried to mediate between Anant Singh and Neeraj Kumar, but the effort did not succeed.
Party Seeks Cancellation of Assembly Membership
JD(U) has also moved beyond internal disciplinary action and asked Bihar Assembly Speaker Prem Kumar to initiate proceedings regarding Singh’s membership of the House.
The party wants the matter examined under the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution.
Disqualification Is Not Automatic
Singh’s expulsion from JD(U) does not itself automatically remove him as an MLA.
Any disqualification will require a decision by the Assembly Speaker under the relevant constitutional procedure.
Until such a decision is taken, Singh remains the elected MLA from Mokama.
Controversial Remarks Added to Tensions
The dispute had already intensified after Singh made controversial remarks involving Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and alleged killings.
The JD(U) distanced itself from those remarks, while Singh later said his comments had been misunderstood and clarified that he was referring to associates who had been killed during an earlier political period.
Singh Had Recently Returned to JD(U)
Anant Singh had returned to the JD(U) after years of shifting political alignments.
His latest expulsion therefore marks another significant break between the Mokama strongman and the party led by Nitish Kumar.
Neelam Devi Also Removed
Singh’s wife Neelam Devi, who has previously represented Mokama in the Bihar Assembly, has also been expelled for six years.
The party has not publicly detailed separate allegations against her beyond stating that she was involved in alleged anti-party activities.
Action Comes After Legislative Council Voting
The Patna Graduates’ constituency election took place on October 23.
JD(U) waited until after polling before announcing disciplinary action against Singh and his wife on October 24. Results are scheduled for October 27.
Result Could Deepen Political Fallout
The outcome of the Legislative Council contest could further shape the political consequences of the dispute.
A victory for Jan Suraaj candidate Anuj Singh, whom Anant Singh supported, would likely sharpen tensions between the expelled MLA and the JD(U) leadership.
JD(U) Sends Message on Party Discipline
By expelling a sitting MLA and seeking his disqualification, JD(U) has signalled that openly campaigning against an official party nominee will attract serious disciplinary consequences.
The decision may also be intended to discourage similar rebellions within the party ahead of future electoral contests.
Anant Singh’s Next Move Unclear
Singh has not yet announced whether he will challenge the expulsion, join another political organisation or continue as an independent political figure if his Assembly membership survives.
His future political course will likely depend on both the Speaker’s decision and the result of the Patna Graduates’ constituency election.
Political Battle Moves to Assembly Speaker
The immediate disciplinary action is complete, but the more consequential question is whether Singh will continue as Mokama MLA.
That issue now rests with the Bihar Assembly Speaker, who will have to consider the JD(U)’s request under the constitutional anti-defection framework.
Source: The Indian Express, PTI, India Today, The New Indian Express
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