Anant Singh's 'Nine Murders' Remark Sparks Political Row in Bihar; JD(U) Defends Nitish Kumar

Patna: Janata Dal (United) MLA Anant Singh has sparked a major political controversy in Bihar following remarks in which he claimed to have got nine people murdered while supporting Nitish Kumar during the latter's early political career. Singh subsequently clarified his statement, saying he was referring to the deaths of nine of his associates during the tenure of former Chief Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav.

The controversy has drawn sharp reactions from the opposition Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and prompted JD(U) leaders to distance themselves from the MLA's initial remarks. The episode has also brought attention to political rivalries surrounding the upcoming Bihar Legislative Council elections.

Anant Singh's Controversial Statement

On October 16, 2026, Anant Singh, the JD(U) MLA representing Mokama, made the remarks while discussing his long-standing political association with Nitish Kumar.

Singh spoke about the sacrifices he claimed to have made in support of Kumar during his early political years. His statement, interpreted as an admission of involvement in arranging nine murders, quickly generated controversy and criticism.

The remarks attracted widespread attention and raised questions about the relationship between criminal allegations and political rivalries in Bihar.

Anant Singh Issues Clarification

Following the backlash, Singh clarified that his earlier statement had been misunderstood. He said he was referring to nine of his associates who, according to him, were killed during Lalu Prasad Yadav's tenure as Chief Minister because of their association with Nitish Kumar.

Singh also claimed that he had been shot during that period. He maintained that he was describing the personal losses he had suffered while supporting Kumar, rather than admitting to arranging the murders.

His clarification changed the focus of the controversy, although the initial statement continued to draw political reactions. The claims about the deaths have not been independently established in this report.

RJD Targets Nitish Kumar and the Ruling Coalition

The RJD seized on Singh's initial remarks to criticise Nitish Kumar and the ruling political establishment. RJD spokesperson Shakti Singh Yadav demanded accountability and argued that the statement raised questions about the political environment during Kumar's tenure.

The opposition also used the episode to renew its criticism of what it describes as a nexus between crime and politics in Bihar.

The RJD's criticism represents its political interpretation of Singh's remarks. Singh's subsequent clarification and the absence of independently verified findings regarding the alleged killings are important context when assessing the claims.

JD(U) Defends Nitish Kumar

JD(U) leaders sought to distance the party from the controversy and defended Nitish Kumar's public record.

Party representatives argued that Kumar had maintained a firm position against criminal activity in politics throughout his decades in public life. They also played down the significance of Singh's remarks and indicated that his statement and subsequent clarification had been noted by the party.

The exchange has highlighted differences between the opposition's interpretation of the controversy and the ruling party's response.

Bihar MLC Elections Add to Political Tensions

The controversy has emerged amid a dispute over the Patna Graduates' constituency election to the Bihar Legislative Council, scheduled for October 23, 2026.

The dispute centres on the JD(U)'s decision to field Neeraj Kumar. Anant Singh has opposed the nomination and expressed support for Jan Suraaj Party candidate Anuj Singh. Reports indicate that Singh's disagreement with the party's choice has contributed to tensions within the JD(U).

The political dispute has brought the MLC election into sharper focus, with party loyalty, candidate selection and competing political interests becoming central issues in the controversy.

Conclusion

Anant Singh's initial claim, subsequent clarification and the reactions from the RJD and JD(U) have triggered a fresh political confrontation in Bihar. While the opposition has questioned the political implications of his remarks, the JD(U) has defended Nitish Kumar and sought to separate the Chief Minister's record from Singh's statements.

The episode underscores the intensity of political competition in Bihar ahead of the Legislative Council elections. Any conclusions about the alleged killings, however, require independently verified evidence rather than political statements alone.