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Janata Dal United (JDU) MLA Anant Singh from Mokama, famous for his outspoken and domineering style in Bihar politics, has once again come into the center of headlines. Recently, amid the ongoing political turmoil regarding the MLC elections to be held under Patna Graduates’ Constituency, Anant Singh gave an explosive statement which has given sleepless nights to both the ruling party and opposition parties of the state. Anant Singh, popularly known as ‘Chhote Sarkar’, who is always in the media headlines with his statements, made such a claim on camera, which heated up discussions in the political circles.
Anant Singh, who showed rebellious attitude by going against the party’s official candidate during the MLC elections, recalled his old days and his initial political journey with Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. Describing his loyalty and sacrifice, he claimed that when Nitish Kumar was struggling in the initial phase and there were not many people with him, he had made a huge ‘sacrifice’ for him. Since his statement, the discussion about those events and historical events of the year 2004, which are often mentioned in the political and criminal history of Bihar, has come alive again.
#1 What was that incident of 2004? When bullets echoed in Ladma village
After this statement of Anant Singh gained prominence, the biggest question arising in the minds of people is what happened in his native village Ladma Village and the surrounding areas in the year 2004. According to political analysts and local history experts, during the year 2004, Lalu Prasad Yadav was in power in Bihar and Nitish Kumar was struggling hard to strengthen his political base in the state. At that time, the fight for supremacy in Mokama and Barh areas was at its peak and a fierce encounter took place with the police and STF in Ladma village, the home area of Anant Singh.
A total of 9 people lost their lives in that infamous police action and encounter, which included local residents of Ladma village and security forces personnel. According to local reports, Anant Singh and his area were the direct target of police action at that time. In his statement, the MLA had tried to cite the same period and explain how in those difficult times, he and his close ones had paid a heavy price during the political turmoil. However, later different meanings started being taken from the words of his statement in the media and political circles.
#1 Anant Singh’s clarification after the controversy over his statement increased: ‘9 of my people were murdered’
As soon as this video of Anant Singh went viral on social media and news channels, there was a political uproar over the statement given by him. Opposition parties started targeting the government and JDU regarding this statement. Seeing the controversy escalating and his words being misinterpreted, Anant Singh himself came forward and clarified his position. While giving clarification in front of the media, he said that his statement has been completely distorted.
Anant Singh clarified that he did not at all mean that he had got someone murdered, but what he meant was that during the political struggle and standing with Nitish Kumar, 9 people from his side had lost their lives, that is, 9 of his people had been ‘sacrificed’. He said that during that period, many people of his village were killed due to police atrocities and political opposition and he has always supported Nitish Kumar. He reiterated that he is a true soldier and devotee of Nitish Kumar and no one can question his loyalty towards the party.
#1 MLC elections and infighting within the party: Why has this political row broken out?
This entire controversy has not arisen suddenly, rather the background of the ongoing Legislative Council (MLC) elections is behind it. Actually, Janata Dal United has made Neeraj Kumar its official candidate from Patna Graduate constituency. But MLA Anant Singh is very unhappy with this decision and has openly announced his support to the other candidate Dr. Anuj Kumar Singh, going against the party line. Anant Singh’s old figure of thirty-six has been with Neeraj Kumar and he is continuously raising questions publicly on this decision of the party.
Despite persuasion by senior party leaders and Union ministers, Anant Singh remains firm on his stand. During the election campaign, when he was asked about his rebellion and loyalty to the party, he spoke angrily and emotionally about his past struggles and sacrifices. He even said that no other leader has shed so much blood and sweat and made so many sacrifices for the party.
#1 What will be the impact of this controversy on the politics of Bihar?
This latest statement of Anant Singh and his rebellion in the MLC elections has definitely increased the problems of JDU leadership. Although the party’s strategists are busy in damage control to somehow calm the internal discord before the elections, but the sharp attitude of the strong MLA is not showing any sign of stopping. After this genie of the old wounds of 2004 and the deaths of 9 people has once again come out of the bottle, the opposition parties have got another opportunity to corner the government. In the coming days, it will be interesting to see what stance the party takes on indiscipline and such statements and how its impact is seen on the election results.