'Will build my own party': Anant Singh predicts JD(U) downfall, says party will win just 10-12 seats

Expelled Janata Dal (United) MLA Anant Singh has predicted a sharp decline in the party’s electoral fortunes, claiming it could be reduced to just “10-12 seats” in the next Bihar Assembly elections. The Mokama MLA also indicated that he could launch his own political outfit following his expulsion from the party.

The JD(U) expelled Singh for six years on Saturday over alleged anti-party activities. Responding to the action on Sunday, he said he had “no regrets” and questioned the credentials of the party’s current leadership.

“The party belonged to Nitish ji. Now that he is no longer there (in an active role), what is left of the party? Who among those in the leadership — the ones who expelled me — has actually contributed anything?” he told reporters.

“Now, they will be reduced to 10-12 seats... Why will I go anywhere? I will simply build my own party. The JD(U) is finished. Once they hold elections, everything will become clear,” he added.

Anant Singh’s rift with JD(U)

Singh’s expulsion followed his campaign for Anuj Singh, the Jan Suraaj Party candidate in the Bihar legislative council elections. He had openly vowed to defeat JD(U) MLC Neeraj Kumar by backing Anuj Singh.

The JD(U) has also recommended to the Bihar Assembly speaker that Singh’s membership be terminated under the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution, which deals with defection. His wife, former MLA Neelam Devi, has also been expelled from the party for six years over alleged anti-party activities.

Reports suggested the action followed a meeting between Union minister and senior JD(U) leader Rajiv Ranjan, alias Lallan Singh, and Nitish Kumar in Patna on Saturday.

Claims cordial ties with Nitish Kumar

Despite his expulsion, Singh maintained that his personal relationship with Nitish Kumar remained cordial, insisting there was “no distance” between them. He also claimed that the action against him would not have happened had Kumar retained control over the party.

Singh, known as ‘Chhote Sarkar’ in the Mokama-Barh belt, won the Mokama seat in the 2025 Assembly elections on a JD(U) ticket.

The JD(U) currently has 84 MLAs in the 243-member Bihar Assembly, making it the second-largest party after ally BJP, which has 88 members. The party also has 12 MPs in the Lok Sabha.