Patna: In a dramatic twist to Bihar’s high-stakes assembly polls, controversial Mokama MLA Anant Singh was arrested late on Saturday night in connection with the murder of Dularchand Yadav, sparking frenzy over whether his nomination for the upcoming elections will be scrapped.
The five-time legislator and JDU candidate was nabbed amid allegations of being present at the crime scene. With the first phase of voting slated for November 6, political circles are abuzz: Can the strongman compete from behind bars?
Under the Representation of the People Act, 1951 (RPA), mere arrest doesn’t disqualify a candidate. As long as no court has convicted and sentenced them to two years or more in jail, nominees remain eligible. Section 8(3) kicks in only post-conviction, barring them for the sentence duration plus six additional years.
In Singh’s case, with the matter still under investigation and no verdict delivered, legal experts say his candidature stands valid. He can file papers and campaign indirectly, even if incarcerated. The final call rests with the Election Commission and courts, but precedents abound of jailed leaders fighting polls.
This arrest has energised Mokama’s political landscape, combining physical strength with electoral drama in Bihar’s competitive politics.