Patna (Economy India):: In a major political shake-up ahead of the Bihar Assembly elections, the Janata Dal (United) has expelled 11 senior leaders, including four former MLAs and a former minister, for alleged involvement in anti-party activities.
The disciplinary action signals the ruling party’s effort to maintain internal discipline and counter rebellion from disgruntled leaders contesting as independents or opposing the party line.
Prominent Names in the Expulsion List
According to an official party statement, those expelled include:
- Shailesh Kumar, former Minister and MLA from Jamalpur,
- Sanjay Prasad, former MLC,
- Shyam Bahadur Singh, former MLA from Barharia (Siwan),
- Ranvijay Singh, former MLC,
- Sudarshan Kumar, former MLA,
- Amar Kumar Singh, senior leader,
- Asma Parveen (Mahua constituency candidate),
- Lav Kumar, Asha Suman, Divyanshu Bhardwaj, and Vivek Shukla.
Party sources said several of these leaders are either contesting elections as independents or publicly defying JDU’s official candidates in key constituencies.
Independent Campaigns After Ticket Denials
Both Shailesh Kumar and Shyam Bahadur Singh, who lost in 2020, have turned rebels after being denied tickets this time.
- Kumar, contesting as an independent from Jamalpur, has blamed the party leadership for “ignoring loyal workers.”
- Shyam Bahadur Singh, known for his outspoken remarks, is independently contesting from Barharia after JDU fielded another candidate.
The JDU’s disciplinary committee has described their actions as a “serious violation of party ethics” that warranted immediate expulsion.
Festive Campaigns and Symbolic Gestures
In contrast, the NDA’s campaign across Bihar remains vibrant. In Hasanpur constituency (Samastipur), NDA candidate Rajkumar Rai was symbolically weighed in laddus and coins by supporters in a display of affection and faith.
Rai, the sitting MLA, said:
“I have worked tirelessly for five years. The blessings of the people are my biggest strength in this election.”
The event drew large crowds, emphasizing the traditional fervor surrounding election campaigns in rural Bihar.
Political War of Words Intensifies
Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary launched a sharp attack on RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, responding to posters labeling him “Bihar ka Nayak.”
Choudhary remarked:
“How can someone whose family looted Bihar be called a hero? His father, Lalu Yadav, is Bihar’s Gabbar Singh who robbed the state’s progress.”
He further questioned Tejashwi’s wealth, asking how he became a crorepati at the age of 1.5 years, implying corruption during RJD’s earlier tenure.
Chirag Paswan Targets RJD Over Minority Representation
Union Minister Chirag Paswan criticized the Mahagathbandhan’s leadership announcement, claiming the alliance is unwilling to support a Muslim Chief Minister or Deputy CM.
In a social media post, Paswan wrote:
“In 2005, my father, late Ram Vilas Paswan Ji, sacrificed his party for the cause of making a Muslim Chief Minister. Even then, RJD and Congress did not stand by him.”
The statement is being seen as an attempt to consolidate Dalit and minority voters within the NDA framework.
PM Modi Extends Greetings for Chhath Puja
Amid the political heat, Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared six posts on social media celebrating the Chhath Mahaparv, emphasizing its connection with faith, nature, and cultural devotion.
He also shared a devotional song by late folk singer Sharda Sinha, calling the festival “a unique confluence of worship, purity, and nature’s reverence.”
🧾 Economy India Political Analysis Box
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Event Type | Expulsion of senior JDU leaders ahead of Bihar elections |
| Key Figures | Shailesh Kumar, Shyam Bahadur Singh, Nitish Kumar, Samrat Choudhary, Chirag Paswan |
| Political Implication | Reflects JDU’s tightening discipline and growing internal dissent |
| Electoral Impact | Possible vote division in Jamalpur and Siwan constituencies |
| NDA Response | Focus on unity and symbolism-driven campaigns |
| Opposition Response | RJD highlighting youth leadership and social justice narrative |
| Voter Sentiment | Polarized but emotionally charged ahead of festival season |
