Anant Singh Expelled from JD(U): What Happens to His MLA Seat?

JD(U) Expels Anant Singh and Neelam Devi for Six Years, Seeks Action Against Mokama MLA

Patna | 25 October 2026

The Janata Dal (United) has expelled Mokama MLA Anant Kumar Singh and former legislator Neelam Devi from the party for six years following allegations of anti-party activities during the Bihar Legislative Council elections.

The disciplinary decision was announced on Saturday, October 24, by Bihar JD(U) president Umesh Singh Kushwaha.

The party has also requested action concerning Anant Singh's membership of the Bihar Legislative Assembly.

The development follows Singh's decision to support a candidate from the Jan Suraaj Party instead of the JD(U)'s official nominee in the Patna Graduates' constituency election.

Why Did JD(U) Take Action?

The dispute centred on the Legislative Council contest in the Patna Graduates' constituency.

JD(U) supported sitting MLC Neeraj Kumar.

However, Anant Singh publicly backed Jan Suraaj candidate Anuj Singh and participated in campaigning for him.

According to the party's disciplinary statement, Singh had disregarded organisational directions and made objectionable remarks about senior leaders.

The party described these actions as violations of organisational discipline.

Singh had previously accused Neeraj Kumar of opposing him during earlier elections and questioned why the party had not acted on those alleged activities.

Those claims form part of Singh's explanation for supporting a rival candidate; they do not establish wrongdoing by Neeraj Kumar.

What Action Was Taken Against Neelam Devi?

Neelam Devi, Anant Singh's wife and a former MLA, was also expelled for six years.

The JD(U) said the decision followed her alleged involvement in anti-party activities.

Her primary membership was cancelled with immediate effect.

The party's action against both politicians demonstrates the seriousness with which its leadership has treated the dispute.

However, party disciplinary action and the constitutional disqualification of an elected legislator are separate matters.

Will Anant Singh Lose His Assembly Membership?

This is the most significant unresolved question.

JD(U) has sought action against Singh under the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution.

The Tenth Schedule contains provisions governing the disqualification of legislators on grounds of defection.

Among other circumstances, it addresses situations involving voluntarily giving up political-party membership or voting contrary to authorised party directions in the legislature.

A political party's decision to expel a member does not, by itself, establish that the legislator has automatically lost the elected seat.

The relevant constitutional process and determination must be followed.

As of this report, the party's request for action should not be described as a completed disqualification.

Why Is the Patna Graduates' Election Important?

The Legislative Council election became a source of internal disagreement because a prominent JD(U) legislator supported a rival party's candidate.

The Patna Graduates' constituency is distinct from an ordinary Assembly constituency.

Its electoral arrangements are designed for eligible voters registered in the graduates' constituency.

The controversy therefore concerns both an individual candidate contest and broader questions of party discipline.

Voting took place on October 23, with counting scheduled for October 27.

The election result was not available at the time of this report.

What Does This Mean for Bihar Politics?

The expulsion introduces another dispute within Bihar's ruling political arrangement.

However, it would be inaccurate to conclude that the state government has lost its majority or that the JD(U)-BJP alliance has broken down solely because of this development.

The immediate questions concern Singh's legislative status, the party's organisational response and the outcome of the Legislative Council election.

For JD(U), the controversy also raises the question of how consistently party discipline is enforced when prominent leaders challenge official candidates.

What Happens Next?

Attention will now turn to any formal proceedings concerning Singh's Assembly membership.

The October 27 Legislative Council counting will also provide a clearer picture of the Patna Graduates' contest.

Further statements from Singh, JD(U) leadership and the Assembly authorities will be important in establishing the next stage of the dispute.