JDU expels Mokama MLA Anant Singh, wife Neelam Devi for six years over anti-party activities

The Janata Dal (United) on Saturday expelled Mokama MLA Anant Kumar Singh and his wife, former MLA Neelam Devi, from the party for six years over alleged anti-party activities. The party also cancelled their primary memberships and recommended the cancellation of Singh's Assembly membership under the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution.

According to an office order issued by Bihar JDU president Umesh Singh Kushwaha, disciplinary action was taken against Anant Singh for allegedly disregarding party directives, using inappropriate and derogatory language against the party's top leadership, and campaigning against the JDU's candidate in the recently concluded Legislative Council elections.

The order said Singh had campaigned for a candidate from another party, prompting the JDU to revoke his primary membership with immediate effect.

"Due to his persistent disregard for party directives over the past few days, the use of inappropriate and derogatory language toward the top leadership, and his actions against the party's candidate, including campaigning for a candidate from another party, during the recently concluded Legislative Council elections, the primary membership of Anant Kumar Singh, MLA (Mokama), is hereby cancelled with immediate effect," the order stated.

It added that Singh had been expelled from the party for six years and that the JDU had recommended that the Speaker of the Bihar Legislative Assembly cancel his membership without delay under the Tenth Schedule.

"Furthermore, he is expelled from the Janata Dal (United) for a period of six (6) years. Additionally, the party recommends that the Hon’ble Speaker of the Bihar Legislative Assembly cancel his membership as an MLA without delay, in accordance with the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution of India," the order read.

In a separate decision, the party also cancelled Neelam Devi's primary membership and expelled her for six years, citing her alleged involvement in anti-party activities.

"Simultaneously, the primary membership of Neelam Devi, former MLA, is also cancelled due to her involvement in anti-party activities, and she is likewise expelled from the party for a period of six years," the order stated.

Anant Singh Faced Row Over Reported Murder Remark

The action comes days after a political controversy erupted in Bihar over reported remarks by Anant Singh claiming that he had got "nine people murdered". The statement drew a sharp response from the opposition Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), while Singh and his party maintained that the claim had been refuted.

Breaking his silence on the controversy, Singh briefly dismissed the allegation, saying, "...The statement has already been refuted."

JDU Working President Sanjay Kumar Jha said the party had taken note of the matter while playing down its potential electoral impact.

Anant Singh Was Granted Bail In Murder Case

In March, the Patna High Court granted bail to Singh in connection with the murder case of Jan Suraaj supporter Dularchand Yadav.

Singh was arrested before polling began in the Bihar Assembly elections last year, along with two associates, Manikant Thakur and Ranjeet Ram, in connection with the case.

(With ANI inputs)