JD(U) pushes for expelled MLA Anant Singh's assembly disqualification

The Janata Dal (United) is pressing the Bihar assembly speaker to cancel the membership of expelled Mokama MLA Anant Singh after removing him from the party for anti-party activities. JD(U) state president Umesh Kushwaha visited the speaker's office on Monday to check on the request, receiving an assurance of quick action from the assembly secretary since Speaker Prem Kumar was not present.

Actions Taken Against Family

The ruling NDA government also removed Mr. Singh's wife, former MLA Neelam Devi, from the 20-point programme implementation committee on Monday. Ms. Devi previously held the status of a deputy minister through this role. The Building Construction Department subsequently ordered her to vacate her official bungalow at 1, Mall Road in Patna by November 25, 2026, a home where Mr. Singh was also living.

Evidence and Context

The party expelled both Mr. Singh and Ms. Devi for six years on October 24, 2026, after accusing them of working against the party. Party sources stated that the JD(U) submitted ten pages of evidence and a video compact disc to the speaker to support the disqualification request. The rift followed the recent state legislative council elections for eight seats, where Mr. Singh campaigned for opposition candidate Anuj Kumar Singh in the Patna Graduates' constituency instead of the official party nominee Neeraj Kumar.

Context

Political parties in India maintain strict internal discipline rules and can seek the disqualification of elected legislators who openly campaign for rival candidates during elections. Official government accommodations allotted to lawmakers and ministers must typically be vacated within a specified timeframe after they lose their official positions or party backing.