Expelled from JD(U), Bihar MLA Anant Singh vows to form new party
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Bihar MLA Anant Singh, expelled from the Janata Dal (United) [JD(U)] for six years over alleged anti-party activities, has declared that he harbours no regrets and openly asserted that the party has no political future. The expelled Mokama legislator announced his intention to launch his own political outfit, sharpening tensions within Bihar's ruling alliance ahead of the state assembly elections.
What Anant Singh Said
Speaking to reporters, Singh minced no words about the party's trajectory. 'I have no regrets. The public is like God, and whatever action they have taken, it was the right decision. I have no problem with it. The party belonged to Nitish Kumar, and he made the decisions himself. What is left in the party now? Who contributed to it?' he said.
Singh went further, directly questioning the party's viability without its founding force. 'Nitish Kumar is no longer there. The party belonged to him, and now that he is gone, the party is also finished. The JD(U) will face trouble in at least 10 seats,' he warned, alleging that those who have 'taken control of the party' were responsible for ordering his expulsion.
On his future plans, Singh stated, 'I will make my own party. I will stay where I am; I never asked for a ticket. I believe the JD(U) has no future. It will become clear during the elections.'
Grounds for Expulsion
JD(U) state president Umesh Kushwaha announced the disciplinary action on Saturday, citing a series of violations. These included repeated disregard of party directives, alleged derogatory remarks against senior leadership, and Singh's decision to campaign against the party's own candidate in the Patna Graduates' constituency election — instead backing a candidate associated with the Jan Suraaj movement.
Alongside Anant Singh, his wife and former MLA Neelam Devi was also expelled from the party for six years. In a formal letter, Kushwaha confirmed that Singh's primary membership had been terminated for the same period.
Anti-Defection Proceedings Initiated
The party has escalated the matter beyond internal discipline. JD(U) has written to the Speaker of the Bihar Legislative Assembly, seeking action against Singh's membership under the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution, which governs disqualification on grounds of defection. If upheld, Singh could lose his seat as MLA for Mokama constituency.
Singh's Stance on Nitish Kumar
Despite the acrimony, Singh was careful to draw a distinction between his differences with the party and his personal regard for Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. 'I have no differences or disputes with Nitish Kumar. I will meet him again,' Singh said, adding, 'I will never criticise Nitish Ji, whatever party I go to.'
Notably, this is not Singh's first brush with controversy — the Mokama MLA has a history of high-profile political and legal disputes in Bihar. His next move, whether the formation of a new party or an alliance with an existing opposition force, is expected to become clearer as Bihar edges closer to the assembly election cycle.