Anant Kumar Singh, one of Bihar’s most controversial yet influential political figures, is back in the headlines as he leads the Mokama assembly seat on a JD(U) ticket despite being behind bars. Known widely as “Chhote Sarkar,” Singh remains a dominant force in the region’s politics, with a hold that has survived arrests, convictions, party switches and shifting alliances.
A strongman with firm grip on Mokama
Singh first entered the electoral fray in 2005 and has held Mokama for four consecutive terms. Over the years, his presence has turned the constituency into one of Bihar’s most closely watched battlefields. Even during his absence, the seat stayed within the family including his wife, Neelam Devi, won the 2022 bypoll on an RJD ticket, before later aligning herself with the NDA.
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This year, Mokama recorded a voter turnout of 64.77 per cent in the first phase of polling. Singh’s early lead has once again underscored his ability to mobilise the Bhumihar vote base, a support system that has remained largely intact through his highs and lows.
Long political journey, longer list of cases
Anant Singh’s political rise was shaped by his elder brother, Dilip Singh, a well-known regional strongman. His fortunes soared after joining Nitish Kumar’s JD(U) in the early 2000s, but his growing criminal record strained the relationship, forcing him to contest as an Independent in 2015. In 2020, he shifted to the RJD and won the seat yet again.
Singh has been named in several serious cases including murder, extortion and illegal arms possession.His most high-profile case came in 2019, when he was booked under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. In 2022, he was convicted in an Arms Act case where he was sentenced to 10 years in jail, but the high court acquitted him in 2024.
His current imprisonment stems from a case that is related to the murder of Dularchand Yadav, a supporter of Prashant Kishor’s Jan Suraaj party. Yet, even from jail, his political influence appears undiminished.
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A leader with deep pockets
While filing his nomination this year, Singh declared assets worth ₹37.88 crore, while his wife Neelam Devi declared assets worth ₹62.72 crore, a reminder of the family’s considerable clout in the region.
In a familiar twist, the JD(U) has once again backed Singh in Mokama, betting on his unshakeable hold over the constituency.
