Anant Kumar Singh Sworn In as Bihar MLA Amid Judicial Custody
In a remarkable development that has captured political attention across Bihar, strongman-turned-politician Anant Kumar Singh on Tuesday took oath as a member of the Bihar legislative assembly. The JD(U) MLA from Mokama completed this constitutional formality under extraordinary circumstances, as he remains in judicial custody and has not been granted bail in connection with a murder case.
Unprecedented Arrival in Prison Van
The scene at the state assembly was unprecedented when Singh was brought to the premises in a prison van to complete the oath-taking ceremony. This unusual arrangement was necessary because the legislator continues to be in judicial custody following his arrest ahead of last year's assembly elections. Singh's bail plea remains pending before the courts, creating this unique situation where an elected representative must attend legislative proceedings under parole restrictions.
Background of the Criminal Case
Singh's judicial custody stems from his alleged involvement in the killing of Dular Chand Yadav, a rival don-turned-politician, at a village within the Mokama assembly constituency. The incident occurred during the heated election period when Yadav was supporting a local candidate backed by Prashant Kishor's Jan Suraaj political initiative. This case has kept Singh behind bars despite his electoral victory, creating a complex legal and political scenario.
Brief Assembly Appearance Under Parole
The authorities permitted Singh to attend the House on parole solely for the purpose of taking the oath, reflecting the constitutional requirement for elected representatives to formally assume their positions. After being sworn in, the MLA engaged in brief but significant interactions within the assembly premises:
- He met with assembly speaker Prem Kumar to complete formal procedures
- He approached chief minister Nitish Kumar and touched his feet in a traditional gesture of respect
- His entire stay inside the assembly lasted approximately 10 minutes before he departed under escort to return to prison
Political Remarks Targeting Opposition Leader
Outside the House, Singh briefly addressed journalists and used the opportunity to launch a sharp political attack against Leader of the Opposition Tejashwi Yadav. Interestingly, Singh himself was associated with the RJD for a short period earlier in his political career. He made pointed remarks suggesting that Tejashwi's political prospects have declined significantly, claiming that the opposition leader's "political stock is finished." Singh went further to suggest that in the next election, Tejashwi might be forced to contest on the symbol of another party, indicating a bleak assessment of his future in Bihar politics.
Significance in Bihar's Political Landscape
This episode has drawn considerable attention for multiple reasons that reflect Bihar's charged political atmosphere:
- The unusual optics of an elected representative taking oath while in judicial custody
- The constitutional implications of a legislator serving while incarcerated
- The pointed political remarks made during a brief parole period
- The intersection of criminal cases with electoral politics in the state
The situation highlights the complex relationship between legal proceedings and political representation in India's democratic framework, particularly in states like Bihar where such intersections occasionally create unprecedented scenarios. The episode also underscores the ongoing political tensions between the ruling coalition and opposition parties, with Singh's comments adding fuel to existing rivalries.
