In a dramatic development just days ahead of the Bihar Assembly elections, Janata Dal (United) candidate from the Mokama constituency, Anant Singh, was arrested by police in connection with the murder of Dularchand Yadav, a campaigner for the Jan Suraaj candidate Piyush Priyadarshi. The arrest, which took place late on the night of Saturday, November 1, sent shockwaves through the political landscape of Bihar and has raised questions about election violence, law and order, and the influence of powerful political figures in the state.

Anant Singh, a veteran politician with a controversial past, is no stranger to legal battles and allegations of criminal activities. Singh, who has been contesting elections from Mokama for over two decades, comes from a family that has wielded considerable political influence in the region. Over the years, his name has been associated with multiple criminal cases, including charges of murder, criminal conspiracy, assault, and other serious offences. According to his nomination papers for the upcoming polls, Singh has 28 ongoing cases against him and declared movable and immovable assets worth ₹37.88 crore. Despite this, Singh has maintained a strong electoral base in Mokama, often emerging victorious even amid legal challenges and controversies.

On the night of his arrest, Singh was taken into custody along with two of his aides, Manikant Thakur and Ranjeet Ram. The operation was extensive, involving around 150 personnel from the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) and was conducted at Singh’s known hideouts in the Barh and Mokama areas of rural Patna. Following the arrest, he was brought to the state capital, Patna, for interrogation and further investigation. Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Kartikeya Sharma, who provided details about the incident, stated that the arrest came in the wake of a violent confrontation in Mokama between two groups supporting competing candidates. During the clash, Dularchand Yadav was shot dead, while stones were thrown, resulting in injuries to several others. Both sides registered complaints, prompting police action to prevent further escalation of violence.

In a statement made shortly after his arrest, Anant Singh sought to reassure his supporters and the people of Mokama about his political standing. Posting a video on social media early on Sunday morning, November 2, Singh expressed what he described as “complete faith” in the electorate of his constituency. In the video, he was seen being escorted by police personnel, yet he remained defiant and optimistic about his electoral prospects. Sharing the clip on Facebook, Singh wrote, “Satyamev Jayate! I have complete faith in the people of Mokama! That’s why now the people of Mokama will fight this election!” The post reflected Singh’s confidence in his support base and his attempt to frame the arrest as a politically motivated incident, rallying his voters to remain engaged and determined despite the legal and administrative challenges.

The incident has prompted swift action by the Election Commission of India (ECI) to ensure law and order during the forthcoming elections. The Commission ordered the transfer of the Barh Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) and Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) following the incident, emphasizing the need for impartial administration and effective management of election-related law and order. SSP Kartikeya Sharma also assured the citizens of Patna that the elections would proceed peacefully, affirming that voters would be able to exercise their democratic rights without fear or hindrance. He stressed that all accused would be presented before the Barh court and that the investigation would continue thoroughly to ensure accountability and justice.

The Mokama constituency, often described as a stronghold of influential and sometimes controversial “bahubalis” or musclemen-politicians, has witnessed a long history of electoral violence and rivalries. Anant Singh himself, a former don-turned-politician, has represented Mokama since 2005, and his family has dominated the seat for decades. Singh’s electoral journey has been marked by high-profile cases, including a 2022 conviction in an arms case, which led to the temporary loss of his seat. His wife, Neelam Devi, subsequently contested and won the by-election, continuing the family’s political presence in Mokama. Singh later returned to active politics and joined the Janata Dal (United) again, contesting the upcoming election with his characteristic assertiveness and enduring influence.

The arrest has thrown a spotlight on the challenges faced by law enforcement and the Election Commission in ensuring free and fair elections in regions with entrenched political power structures. Mokama, like several other constituencies in Bihar, has often been associated with criminal-politician nexus, where muscle power and political influence intersect. In such areas, election-related violence and intimidation can become tools to sway voter behavior and control local politics. The prompt police operation and subsequent assurances by the SSP and ECI officials are indicative of the measures being taken to curb such incidents and maintain the integrity of the electoral process.

Political analysts note that Singh’s arrest could have significant implications for the first phase of Bihar Assembly elections, scheduled for November 6. Mokama is expected to witness a highly competitive battle between Singh of the JD(U) and Veena Devi of the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), both seasoned politicians with strong local bases. The arrest, occurring so close to the elections, could either galvanize Singh’s supporters, who may perceive him as a victim of political targeting, or weaken his campaign due to the legal cloud hanging over his candidacy. Observers suggest that the outcome in Mokama could serve as a litmus test for the JD(U) in retaining influence in constituencies traditionally dominated by musclemen-politicians.

The incident also underscores broader concerns regarding election-related violence in Bihar. In recent years, the state has grappled with multiple incidents of political clashes, voter intimidation, and criminal activity during campaigning periods. While the Election Commission has made significant efforts to ensure peaceful polling through deployment of security personnel, surveillance, and administrative oversight, the Mokama episode highlights the persistent risks associated with elections in high-stakes constituencies where power, politics, and criminality intersect. It serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenge for Indian democratic institutions in balancing free political competition with law and order and voter safety.

Following his arrest, the JD(U) has yet to issue an official response regarding the incident, though party sources indicate that the leadership is closely monitoring the situation. Analysts note that the party faces a delicate balancing act: addressing law enforcement imperatives and legal processes while maintaining its political campaign momentum in constituencies like Mokama. Opposition parties, particularly the RJD and its allies, are likely to use the incident to highlight issues of criminalisation of politics and the influence of powerful local figures in elections, making Mokama a focal point of the first phase of polling.

In conclusion, Anant Singh’s arrest in connection with the murder of Dularchand Yadav represents a major development in the lead-up to the Bihar Assembly elections. The incident has thrust issues of election violence, political influence, and law enforcement preparedness into the national spotlight. Singh’s defiant post-arrest message, coupled with the Election Commission’s proactive measures, reflects the complex dynamics at play in constituencies dominated by strong political figures with criminal histories. As Mokama prepares to vote on November 6, all eyes will be on how voters, political parties, and law enforcement navigate the high-stakes environment, with the outcome serving as a critical indicator of the state’s political and administrative resilience.

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