RJD Criticizes Anant Singh, Labels Him a 'Traitor' Following JDU Expulsion

Political Tensions Rise in Bihar

In Bihar, political rhetoric has intensified once again. Following the six-year expulsion of Mokama MLA Anant Singh and his wife Neelam Devi from the Janata Dal United (JDU), the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) has taken aim at them. The RJD shared a post on social media, referring to them as 'traitors' without naming anyone directly, asserting that they are facing consequences for their actions. This statement is believed to be linked to the power test that occurred in February 2024 in the Bihar Assembly, during which Neelam Devi, then an RJD MLA, voted in favor of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government led by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar after leaving her party.

In its social media post, the RJD highlighted the political loyalty of its national president Lalu Prasad Yadav and opposition leader Tejashwi Yadav. The party claimed that its leadership has never harmed anyone to gain power and has not resorted to unethical methods. The post asserted that despite facing jail time and media scrutiny, Lalu Prasad Yadav and Tejashwi Yadav have remained steadfast in their principles. The RJD also mentioned that it accepted the loss of power without causing harm to others, emphasizing that their leadership has remained unscathed despite numerous political conspiracies.

Reference to the 2024 Floor Test

The RJD's post referenced the February 2024 Bihar Assembly power test, targeting the legislators who supported the ruling party after breaking away from the RJD. The party claimed that Tejashwi Yadav had warned the three rebel legislators about the potential repercussions of their decisions during the assembly session. According to the RJD, Tejashwi advised them to understand the changing political climate.

The RJD accused the rebels of betrayal during the 2024 confidence vote, suggesting that the three legislators who turned against the party are now facing the consequences of their actions and are troubled alongside their families. These comments are part of the RJD's political response.

The RJD further stated that both those who committed betrayal and those who facilitated it are currently in difficult situations. The party also criticized those who played a role in breaking alliances, saving the government, and altering political equations. The post concluded with a saying, 'Bad deeds lead to bad outcomes. God's stick does not make a sound,' implying that their old political adversaries must face the repercussions of their decisions.

Background of the Incident

On February 12, 2024, a power test was conducted for the NDA government led by Nitish Kumar in the Bihar Assembly. This followed the collapse of the Grand Alliance government after the JDU split. The new government needed to prove its majority in the assembly.

At that time, Neelam Devi, an RJD MLA from Mokama, deviated from her party's stance and supported the NDA government. She had won the Mokama by-election in 2022 on an RJD ticket but switched sides to vote in favor of the government during the power test. Alongside her, two other RJD legislators, Chetan Anand and Prahlad Yadav, also changed their allegiance.

Following this incident, Tejashwi Yadav addressed Neelam Devi in the assembly, stating that regardless of the outcome, she would remember this decision later. The political landscape in Bihar was rife with controversy regarding the legislators' switch of allegiance.

Now, with Anant Singh and Neelam Devi expelled from the JDU for six years, the RJD has revisited this past event to launch a political attack, labeling them as 'traitors' and suggesting they are facing the consequences of their actions. This development has reignited political discourse in Bihar.