JD(U) takes action against Mokama MLA Anant Singh, wife

Patna, October 24: The Janata Dal (United) has taken disciplinary action against Mokama MLA Anant Kumar Singh and removed him from the party's primary membership. He has been barred from the party for the next six years with immediate effect. His wife and former MLA Neelam Devi has been expelled for the same period.

According to the party's order, Anant Singh has consistently disregarded party directions in recent times. The order accuses him of using insulting and inappropriate language against the top leadership. It also alleges that he acted against the JD(U) candidate in the recently concluded Legislative Council election.

The party said Anant Singh campaigned against its candidate and ran an open election drive for a candidate of another party. It termed these actions serious indiscipline and anti-party activity, which led to the present decision.

The JD(U) has also said it will recommend to the Bihar Assembly Speaker that Anant Singh's House membership be cancelled under the Tenth Schedule of the Indian Constitution.

As for Neelam Devi, the party has said she was involved in anti-party activities. Her primary membership has been terminated and she has been expelled for six years.

The controversy began during the Legislative Council election, when Anant Singh departed from the party line. He backed a Jan Suraaj candidate of Prashant Kishor's party, openly opposed JD(U) candidate Neeraj Kumar, and campaigned in favour of the Jan Suraaj nominee.

Following the election, Nitish Kumar, the JD(U) national president and former Bihar chief minister, visited Neeraj Kumar's residence. The meeting was read as a sign that the party leadership was backing Neeraj Kumar.

The action against Anant Singh and Neelam Devi clearly indicates that the JD(U) leadership has adopted a tough approach toward indiscipline.