FIR Names JD(U) Candidate Anant Singh — What It Means for Bihar’s Political Landscape

The calm of Bihar’s election campaign was shattered this week when Janata Dal (United) candidate Anant Kumar Singh, popularly known as “Chhote Sarkar”, was named in an FIR for the killing of a political worker in Mokama.

The incident has triggered a storm in political circles, raising questions about law and order, the criminalization of politics, and how this development could alter the 2025 Bihar Assembly election dynamics.

The Arrest: “Chhote Sarkar” in Custody

Hours after the killing, a special police team conducted a late-night raid at Anant Singh’s residence in Barh. The operation led to his arrest along with two close aides, identified as Manikant Thakur and Ranjit Ram.

Singh was presented before the court and remanded to 14 days in judicial custody, pending further investigation. Police officials have seized digital evidence and are examining ballistic reports to establish the sequence of events.

According to sources, Singh’s SUV and convoy are also under forensic scrutiny. The arrest has sparked massive media attention, turning Mokama into a political flashpoint just weeks before the elections.

The Incident: Violence in the Heart of Mokama

On October 30, 2025, violence erupted in Tartar village of Mokama constituency, just as election campaigning was peaking.

According to the FIR, Dularchand Yadav, a 75-year-old worker affiliated with a rival political outfit, was allegedly killed during a violent confrontation between two groups of supporters.

Witnesses claim that during a heated exchange, shots were fired, and the victim was later assaulted and run over by a vehicle in a chaotic scuffle. The FIR alleges that Anant Singh personally fired at the victim, injuring him, before the fatal assault occurred.

Soon after the incident, Bihar Police launched a night operation in the Barh–Mokama region, arresting Anant Singh along with two of his aides. The arrests have since sent shockwaves across the political landscape of the state.

Who Is Anant Kumar Singh?

Anant Kumar Singh is one of Bihar’s most well-known and controversial political figures.

• A multiple-time MLA from Mokama, Singh has long carried the reputation of being both a powerful leader and a “bahubali” (strongman).
• He hails from the Bhumihar community, which has traditionally held influence in central Bihar politics.
• His name has appeared in several criminal cases over the decades, ranging from extortion to murder — yet he continues to command deep loyalty in his constituency.
• Locally known as “Chhote Sarkar”, Singh’s persona combines fear, influence, and familiarity — traits that have helped him retain political power despite numerous controversies.

This latest case, however, threatens to change his trajectory just days before the election.

FIR and Legal Developments

The FIR filed in the Mokama killing case includes serious charges such as murder, conspiracy, and unlawful assembly. The police report describes a scene of violence that unfolded in full public view — a chaotic clash that ended with one life lost and many reputations on the line.

• The post-mortem report suggests multiple injuries leading to internal damage.
• Four FIRs have reportedly been filed — including one by the victim’s family, others by local groups caught in the violence.
• Anant Singh was remanded to judicial custody for 14 days, and investigations continue, with forensic and digital evidence being examined.
• Officials have hinted that additional arrests and forensic reports may strengthen the case in the coming weeks.

Political Fallout: Turmoil in JD(U) Camp

The timing of this case couldn’t be more critical. The JD(U), already under scrutiny for its candidate selection in high-stakes seats, now faces backlash over fielding a leader with a criminal record.

Party insiders fear the case could tarnish JD(U)’s image as a law-and-order-focused party and provide ammunition to the opposition, which has long accused the ruling alliance of protecting “strongmen” for political gain.

In a closely contested election, such an event could cause strategic shifts in local alliances and community votes — particularly in areas like Mokama, Barh, and Patna Rural, where caste loyalties and local leadership weigh heavily on voter choice.

The Caste & Community Equation in Mokama

Bhumihars, Yadavs, Dhanuks, and other OBC communities traditionally influence Mokama’s political balance.

With the victim belonging to the Yadav community, the incident has taken on a caste-sensitive dimension. Early reactions from the ground suggest sympathy waves among the Yadav population, who view the killing as politically motivated and unjust.

If this sentiment solidifies, the RJD-led alliance, which draws its strength from Yadav and Muslim voters, could gain a significant advantage in Mokama and neighboring constituencies.

Meanwhile, Singh’s Bhumihar base remains divided — some loyalists view the case as a political conspiracy, while others express fatigue over the repeated controversies tied to his name.

How the Mokama Case Could Impact the Bihar Election

The consequences of this case extend far beyond one constituency. Here’s how the Mokama killing may reshape Bihar’s electoral scenario:

🔹 1. JD(U)’s Law and Order Narrative Under Fire

Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s long-standing claim of maintaining “good governance” faces renewed skepticism. The image of a JD(U) candidate embroiled in a violent killing undermines this narrative, especially among urban and educated voters.

🔹 2. RJD Gains Political Ammunition

The Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), led by Tejashwi Yadav, is expected to use the incident to highlight what it calls “the return of muscle politics.” The issue may become a central theme in their campaign speeches — reinforcing their message of justice and social empowerment.

🔹 3. Caste Equations Could Shift

The killing of a Yadav worker could polarize communities, consolidating the Yadav-Dhanuk vote bank in favor of RJD and allied parties. Even a 2–3% shift in local vote share could be decisive in constituencies where margins are often razor-thin.

🔹 4. Sympathy vs. Backlash

While Singh still enjoys personal loyalty among certain sections of Mokama’s electorate, undecided voters may distance themselves from candidates associated with crime and violence — especially in the wake of national attention.

🔹 5. ECI and Administrative Tightening

The Election Commission has reportedly stepped up monitoring in sensitive areas. More stringent measures — like police transfers and surveillance — may follow, making it harder for candidates with controversial backgrounds to operate unchecked.

🔹 6. Voter Mood Across Bihar

Beyond Mokama, the episode has stirred conversations about political ethics and candidate eligibility. With Bihar’s young voters increasingly seeking clean, development-oriented politics, such incidents could indirectly influence voting behavior across districts like Patna, Nalanda, Lakhisarai, and Munger.

The Larger Question — Crime and Politics in Bihar

The Mokama killing revives an old debate: Why do leaders with criminal records continue to dominate Bihar politics?

Analysts say the answer lies in a mix of fear, loyalty, and local identity politics. For decades, candidates with “muscle power” were seen as protectors of their communities. But the tide may be turning — especially as Bihar’s younger electorate demands transparency, education, and employment over intimidation.

If the Mokama case sets a precedent for stricter scrutiny, it could mark a turning point in how voters perceive “bahubali” leaders in modern Bihar.

The Road Ahead

The investigation will determine whether Anant Singh’s political career survives this latest storm. But regardless of the verdict, the incident has already reshaped the narrative of Bihar’s 2025 elections — from development and jobs to the darker underbelly of political violence.

For now, one thing is clear: the Mokama killing has become more than just a law-and-order case — it’s a political litmus test for Bihar’s democracy and its willingness to rise above the shadows of its past.