Bihar council polls: Police file three cases against MLA Anant Singh and candidate Anuj Singh

Police have filed three separate cases against ruling party MLA Anant Singh and opposition-backed candidate Anuj Singh for breaking election rules and disturbing public order during campaign events in Patna district.

Campaign Violations

The police action stems from a roadshow held on October 18 in the Mokama area. Officials stated that the campaign used more vehicles than legally allowed, and several vehicles had sirens blaring. Organizers also stationed heavy earth-moving machines in Barh town to drop flower petals on supporters, which police said disrupted public order and violated the Model Code of Conduct. Local police officer Ram Krishna confirmed that these three cases target the MLA, the candidate, and other participants.

Political Rivalry

These events take place ahead of the October 23 biennial elections for eight seats in the Bihar Legislative Council. Voting will run from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., with vote counting set for October 27 across seats including Patna Graduates, Darbhanga Graduates, Tirhut Graduates, Kosi Graduates, Patna Teachers, Darbhanga Teachers, Tirhut Teachers, and Saran Teachers. Anant Singh, a lawmaker from the Janata Dal (United), has openly gone against his own party's stance by supporting Jan Suraaj candidate Anuj Singh for the Patna Graduates seat. The MLA has publicly stated he wants to defeat sitting JD(U) MLC Neeraj Kumar because of past political opposition.

Context

Election rules in India strictly limit vehicle numbers, noise levels, and public displays during campaigns to ensure fair play and prevent public disruption. When candidates or their supporters cross these legal limits, local authorities file formal police reports to investigate and take legal action. Political figures crossing party lines during high-stakes local elections often highlight complex internal rivalries within regional political parties.