Former Mokama MLA Anant Singh’s Grand Road Show After Jail Release Shakes Up Bihar Politics

Patna, Bihar — Former Mokama MLA Anant Singh, who was recently released on bail in the high-profile Sonu-Monu shooting case, made a spectacular political comeback with a grand roadshow stretching from Barh to Barhiya. Crowds gathered in droves to welcome Singh as his convoy left Patna, with supporters showering him with flowers, garlands, and cheers at dozens of stops along the way.

At Mokama Thana Chowk, Singh was greeted enthusiastically by young leaders Anupam Kanhaiya and Chanchal Singh, as chants of “Anant Singh Zindabad!” filled the air. His procession, marked by a fleet of vehicles and the beats of drums, drew thousands of onlookers eager to catch a glimpse of their “Chhote Sarkar.” Security was tight, but the atmosphere remained festive throughout.

Speaking to City Post Chief Editor Shrikant Pratyush, the event was described as a typical show of strength by Anant Singh. “He is a strongman. Whenever Anant Singh steps out, whether alone or with a convoy, it naturally becomes a roadshow with hundreds of vehicles,” Pratyush remarked. Singh also visited the revered site of Badhaiya Maharani, offering prayers before returning amidst continued fanfare.

Bold Political Claims

During the celebration, Anant Singh made bold predictions about the upcoming Bihar elections. He claimed that under Nitish Kumar’s leadership, the NDA would win a sweeping 228 seats, reducing the opposition to a mere 12–15 seats and derailing the political ambitions of RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav. “If given the opportunity to contest against Tejashwi, I’ll ensure his bail is forfeited. He will not become Chief Minister in this lifetime,” said Singh, throwing down the gauntlet for a direct electoral battle.

Singh highlighted his own role, along with his parents’, in helping hundreds of thousands of young people secure jobs, staking his political capital on grassroots support.

Political Journey and Loyalty Shifts

Anant Singh’s journey in politics traces back to his association with Nitish Kumar, whom he helped weigh with silver coins during an election campaign—although Kumar lost that particular race and did not contest further assembly or parliamentary seats for some time. Singh himself has continued to contest and win elections, sometimes as an independent, illustrating his enduring popular support.

Singh had distanced himself from Nitish Kumar when the latter joined the Mahagathbandhan (Grand Alliance) with Lalu Prasad Yadav’s RJD. Singh firmly stated, “I had no relationship with Lalu’s camp, so I left.” Despite legal challenges and political hurdles, Singh’s return to the JD(U) and his public endorsement of Nitish Kumar’s development work—improved roads, electricity, and crime reduction—underscores his faith in Kumar’s leadership, even predicting three more electoral victories for him.

Controversy and Popularity

Questions remain about Singh’s ability to win again, considering his recent legal troubles. The Sonu-Monu case, involving two local criminals, resulted in Singh’s arrest for indiscriminate gunfire. However, his legal team clarified that his actions were aimed at protecting an innocent and that he had no intent to harm anyone, which helped secure his bail. Singh faces numerous pending cases but maintains that the people’s support is his true strength.

The scale of his recent reception hints at his enduring popularity, with crowds lining the roads and markets coming to a standstill as his convoy passed. Even RJD’s Tejashwi Yadav commented on Singh’s massive public support after being released from jail, comparing it to celebratory welcomes received by his own father, Lalu Prasad Yadav, after the latter’s release from prison.

Despite advancing years, Anant Singh remains a formidable presence in Bihar’s political landscape, demonstrating through this roadshow that even an “old lion” can captivate the masses and unsettle political opponents.

What’s Next?

As Bihar heads into another election season, all eyes will be on whether Anant Singh’s aura and grassroots clout will translate into ballot box victories once again. For more updates and in-depth coverage, stay tuned to City Post Live.