JD(U) Takes Action Against Anant Singh, Neelam Devi, Seeks MLA's Disqualification

The Janata Dal (United) on Saturday expelled Mokama MLA Anant Singh and former legislator Neelam Devi for six years over alleged anti-party activities, following Singh's campaign for a rival party's candidate in the recent Bihar Legislative Council elections.

In a statement issued by Bihar unit president Umesh Singh Kushwaha, the party said Singh's primary membership had been terminated with immediate effect for defying party directives, using insulting language against its top leadership and campaigning for a rival candidate.

Singh, a don-turned-politician, had openly challenged the JD(U) by campaigning for Jan Suraaj Party candidate Anuj Singh in the council elections. He had vowed to defeat JD(U) MLC Neeraj Kumar by supporting and canvassing for Anuj Singh.

The development marks disciplinary action against the Mokama MLA over his support for a candidate from outside the party in the elections.

The JD(U) has also recommended to the Bihar Assembly Speaker that Singh's membership as an MLA be terminated under the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution, which deals with disqualification of legislators on grounds of defection.

The recommendation to the Speaker is separate from the party's decision to expel Singh and concerns his continuation as a member of the state legislature.

Meanwhile, the party also terminated the primary membership of former legislator Neelam Devi with immediate effect. According to the statement, she was expelled for six years over her alleged involvement in anti-party activities.

The JD(U) did not provide further details of the allegations against Neelam Devi in the statement.

The action against the two leaders comes amid the party's efforts to enforce discipline following the recent council elections. Singh's decision to campaign for Anuj Singh, while directly targeting JD(U) MLC Neeraj Kumar, had brought him into open confrontation with the party leadership.

The party's recommendation to the Speaker will now be considered separately under the constitutional provisions governing disqualification of legislators.