Bihar Politics: JD(U) Seeks Disqualification of Anant Singh as MLA, Neelam Devi Asked to Vacate Government Bungalow

Patna: Bihar politics has witnessed a fresh controversy following the Janata Dal (United)'s decision to expel Mokama MLA Anant Kumar Singh and his wife, former MLA Neelam Devi, from the party for six years. The party has also sought Singh's disqualification from the Bihar Legislative Assembly, accusing him of engaging in anti-party activities during the recent Legislative Council elections.

The developments have intensified political discussions within Bihar's ruling alliance and raised questions about the future of the Mokama legislator. The state government has separately withdrawn Neelam Devi's position in a government committee and directed her to vacate her official residence in Patna.

Why Did JD(U) Expel Anant Singh?

JD(U) announced the expulsion of Anant Singh and Neelam Devi on October 24, 2026. The party accused Singh of repeatedly disregarding its instructions, making objectionable remarks against senior leaders and campaigning for a rival candidate during the Bihar Legislative Council elections.

The dispute centred on the Patna Graduates' constituency, where JD(U) had fielded sitting MLC Neeraj Kumar. Singh openly supported Jan Suraaj Party candidate Anuj Singh instead of backing his party's official nominee.

The disagreement between Singh and Neeraj Kumar had become increasingly public in the weeks leading up to polling on October 23. Singh's decision to campaign for the rival candidate prompted disciplinary action from the JD(U) leadership.

The party also expelled Neelam Devi, citing alleged involvement in activities contrary to its interests.

JD(U) Seeks Action Against Singh's Assembly Membership

Following the expulsion, JD(U) state president Umesh Singh Kushwaha submitted a recommendation seeking action against Singh's Assembly membership under the anti-defection provisions of the Constitution's Tenth Schedule.

The party reportedly submitted supporting documents, including a 10-page dossier and video material, to substantiate its allegations of anti-party activities.

However, expulsion from a political party does not automatically terminate an MLA's Assembly membership. Disqualification must be considered through the applicable constitutional procedure.

Bihar Assembly Speaker Prem Kumar said that his office had not yet received the formal communication required to begin the process, according to a report published by Prabhat Khabar on October 26. He indicated that the matter would be reviewed after the relevant documents were received.

The final decision on Singh's Assembly membership therefore remains separate from the JD(U)'s disciplinary action.

Neelam Devi Ordered to Vacate Government Bungalow

The political developments have also affected Neelam Devi's official position. The Bihar government removed her from the state-level 20-Point Programme Implementation Committee and withdrew the status associated with that role.

She was subsequently directed to vacate her official residence at 1 Mall Road in Patna by November 25, 2026.

The government bungalow had been allotted in connection with her committee membership. The order followed the withdrawal of that position.

These developments represent a separate administrative action alongside the JD(U)'s decision to expel both Anant Singh and Neelam Devi.

Anant Singh's Dispute With Neeraj Kumar

The dispute emerged during campaigning for the Bihar Legislative Council elections, which covered four graduate and four teachers' constituencies.

JD(U) nominated Neeraj Kumar for the Patna Graduates' constituency, but Singh publicly opposed his candidature and backed Jan Suraaj's Anuj Singh.

The disagreement also led to a confrontation between supporters of Singh and Kumar in the Mokama area on polling day, October 23.

The episode highlighted internal tensions within the JD(U) and created a challenge for party leaders seeking to maintain discipline during an important electoral contest.

Political Reactions and Possible Implications

The action against Singh has drawn attention to the relationship between party discipline and the constitutional rules governing elected representatives.

For JD(U), the move demonstrates its response to what it describes as violations of party instructions. Singh's Assembly membership, however, will depend on the formal legal process rather than the party's expulsion order alone.

The developments have also prompted political reactions from opposition leaders, including RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, who commented on the consequences faced by politicians who had previously supported the Nitish Kumar government.

Any further changes to Singh's political position will depend on official decisions by the Assembly authorities and subsequent developments within the parties involved.

Conclusion

The expulsion of Anant Singh and Neelam Devi from JD(U), the request for action against Singh's Assembly membership and the order requiring Neelam Devi to vacate her official residence have become significant developments in Bihar politics.

The immediate political dispute stems from Singh's support for a Jan Suraaj candidate against JD(U)'s nominee in the Legislative Council elections. Whether Singh loses his Assembly membership will depend on the prescribed constitutional process and the decision of the competent authority.