Bihar govt orders Neelam Devi to vacate Patna residence by Nov 25
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
The building construction department of the Bihar government has issued a formal eviction notice to Neelam Devi, wife of Mokama MLA Anant Singh and a former member of the State-Level 20-Point Programme Implementation Committee, directing her to vacate Residence No. 01 on Mall Road, Patna, by 25 November 2026. The notice follows the abrupt cancellation of her nomination to the committee, which had entitled her to the official accommodation.
The Official Notice and Its Basis
The eviction order was issued by the Joint Secretary-cum-Estate Officer of the building construction department. The residence had originally been allotted to Neelam Devi under departmental office order No. 73, dated 19 May 2026, when she was appointed to the State-Level Programme Implementation Committee with the status of a Deputy Minister.
Her nomination was cancelled with immediate effect under notification No. 578 issued by the Cabinet Secretariat Department on 26 October 2026. Following this, the government initiated proceedings to reclaim the official premises.
The notice cites the Patna Central Pool Rules, 1986. Under Rule 11(2)(1), an occupant is entitled to retain an official residence for only one month after the termination of the position on which the allotment was based — placing the vacating deadline at 25 November.
Party Expulsion: The Background
The government notice comes days after a significant political development. On Saturday, the Janata Dal (United) expelled both Anant Singh and Neelam Devi from the party for six years, citing alleged anti-party activities. Bihar JD(U) president Umesh Singh Kushwaha announced the termination of Anant Singh's primary membership with immediate effect. The eviction notice now marks a further administrative consequence of that disciplinary action.
Political Reaction: Pappu Yadav Hits Out
Purnea MP Pappu Yadav has criticised the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) over the developments, accusing them of adopting a 'use-and-throw' approach in politics. He questioned the treatment of several political figures, including Anant Singh, Anand Mohan, Dinesh Ji, Ajay Mandal, and Girdhari Yadav.
Yadav acknowledged that political parties are entitled to take disciplinary action against legislators who violate party rules, but stressed that the same standards must apply uniformly. He argued that there should be no double standards in enforcing party discipline.
Referring to statements made by Anant Singh concerning Ashok Chaudhary and Samrat Choudhary, Yadav noted that the Mokama MLA had raised questions about the government's survival and alleged betrayal, adding that Anant Singh's concerns were proving justified.
What Happens Next
Neelam Devi is required to complete all departmental formalities and vacate the Mall Road premises by 25 November 2026. The development underscores the swift administrative consequences that follow the withdrawal of political status in Bihar — a pattern seen repeatedly when ruling coalition members fall out of favour. How the couple responds to both the party expulsion and the eviction notice is expected to shape the next chapter of Bihar's fractious political landscape.