Expelled Janata Dal (United) MLA Anant Singh on Sunday announced plans to form his own political party, days after the Bihar ruling party expelled him and his wife, former MLA Neelam Devi, for six years over alleged anti-party activities. Asked about his next political move, Singh said, “Apna hi party banayenge na!” (We'll form our own party, then!).
Singh’s expulsion followed a prolonged dispute with the JDU leadership over the Patna Graduates' constituency election to the Bihar Legislative Council. Despite the party fielding sitting MLC Neeraj Kumar, Singh openly campaigned for Jan Suraaj Party candidate Anuj Singh, his rival’s opponent, defying repeated attempts by senior leaders to persuade him to back the official nominee.
Reacting to his ouster, Singh questioned the authority of the party’s current leadership and claimed the decision had not been taken at the behest of former Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, whom he described as a leader he had consistently supported. He also claimed to have made significant sacrifices for the party. “Why should I go anywhere? I will form my own party,” Singh said, indicating that he had no intention of joining another political outfit.
WHY JDU EXPELLED ANANT SINGH
The JDU expelled Singh and Neelam Devi for six years, citing alleged anti-party activities. The action followed Singh's support for Anuj Singh in the Patna Graduates' constituency MLC election, in defiance of the party's decision to field Neeraj Kumar.
The party also cited alleged insulting remarks against senior leaders and repeated defiance of its directives. It has sought Singh's disqualification as an MLA under the anti-defection provisions of the Constitution.
SAYS NITISH KUMAR WAS NOT BEHIND EXPULSION
Despite his differences with the party leadership, Singh maintained that he had consistently stood by Nitish Kumar and made sacrifices for the JDU. He claimed the expulsion was not ordered by Nitish and suggested that other leaders were responsible for the decision.
Asked about a video reportedly showing senior JDU leader Lalan Singh meeting Nitish Kumar, Anant Singh said he did not know the details of the meeting. He also questioned why he had been targeted despite his loyalty to the party.
Singh made pointed remarks about the party's leadership, suggesting that its future would be uncertain without Nitish Kumar at the helm. He also alluded to political dealings in Delhi and Mumbai but did not provide details to substantiate his insinuations.
CLAIMS HE HELPED SAVE BIHAR GOVERNMENT
Singh also claimed that he had played a crucial role in saving the Bihar government when it was facing the prospect of collapse. Recalling the episode, he said Ashok Choudhary had asked current Bihar CM Samrat Choudhary who would save the government at a time when it was in danger. Singh claimed that he had stepped in to help keep the government afloat.
He said that the public would ultimately judge the political developments and the actions of those involved. He also suggested that the consequences of political decisions would become apparent in the coming months.
