‘Everyone Will Contest For Him’: Union Minister Lallan Singh Campaigns For Jailed Anant Singh

Mokama, Bihar – As the first phase of the Bihar Assembly elections approaches, the political landscape in Mokama has intensified following the arrest of Janata Dal (United) [JD(U)] candidate Anant Singh, a strongman also known as "Chhote Sarkar". Accused in connection with the murder of Jan Suraaj Party supporter Dular Chand Yadav, Singh's incarceration has prompted Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan alias Lallan Singh to spearhead the campaign on his behalf.

The political atmosphere in Mokama has been tense since the killing of Dular Chand Yadav on October 30, which led to clashes between rival factions. Anant Singh was subsequently arrested and remanded to 14-day judicial custody. Lallan Singh, who represents the Munger Lok Sabha constituency, which includes Mokama, has stepped in to lead the NDA's campaign in the area.

On November 3, 2025, Lallan Singh addressed a public rally in Mokama and visited several villages under the Mokama Municipal Council to mobilize support for Anant Singh. He traveled by road from Patna to Pandarak West village, covering key areas including Pandarak East, Kanhaipur, Sultanpur, Mor West, Mor East, Barhpur, Shivnar, and Chhatrapur. Addressing supporters, Lallan Singh alleged a conspiracy behind Yadav's murder, assuring them that the truth would emerge after police investigation. He emphasized the commitment to upholding the rule of law while campaigning for Anant Singh.

Anant Singh, 57, has been a dominant figure in Mokama's political scene for nearly two decades, winning the assembly seat multiple times since 2005. He has been elected as a Member of the Bihar Legislative Assembly from the Mokama constituency four times: in 2005, 2010, 2015, and 2020. In 2020, he won on an RJD ticket but was later convicted and disqualified. His wife, Neelam Devi, won the subsequent by-election in 2022.

Singh's political journey has been marked by controversies and criminal charges. According to his election affidavit, he faces numerous criminal cases, including charges of murder, kidnapping, and criminal conspiracy. In August 2024, the Patna High Court acquitted Singh in two Arms Act cases. Despite his criminal record, Anant Singh maintains a strong influence in his constituency.

Lallan Singh's active campaigning underscores the significance of the Mokama seat and the determination of the JD(U) to retain it despite Anant Singh's legal challenges. According to party sources, the Union Minister will address a public rally in Mokama and later visit several villages under the Mokama Municipal Council to mobilise support for Anant Singh. Alongside Lallan Singh, Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary also participated in a 30-kilometer roadshow in support of Anant Singh. Neelam Devi, Anant Singh's wife, is also actively campaigning, forming women's teams to seek votes for her husband.

The upcoming elections in Mokama are crucial, and the absence of Anant Singh on the campaign trail presents both a challenge and an opportunity for his supporters. As Lallan Singh declared, "Everyone will contest for him," highlighting the collective effort to ensure Anant Singh's victory despite his imprisonment.