The assembly by-election in Mokama, Bihar, has turned into a high-stakes political battle following the arrest of JDU candidate Anant Kumar Singh, known as 'Chhote Sarkar'. He is currently lodged in Beur Jail, accused in the murder case of Dularchand Yadav, an RJD leader and Jansuraj supporter. The incident has transformed the town into a virtual fortress with heavy security deployment across every corner. The ruling NDA alliance, determined not to lose this crucial seat, has mobilized its top leadership. Union Minister and senior JDU leader Lalan Singh has set up camp in Mokama, coordinating the entire campaign. Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary from BJP has also actively joined, conducting road shows from Baharpur to Mokama Tiraha Chowk. The campaign has taken a communal turn after a viral video showed RJD candidate Beena Devi on a tractor during Dularchand's funeral procession, with people allegedly abusing the Bhumihar caste. This has united the Bhumihar community solidly behind Anant Singh. Meanwhile, in Dularchand's village Tartar, residents live under fear despite the presence of over 200 security personnel. Many villagers refuse to speak on record, fearing repercussions. They believe the police are aligned with Anant Singh and justice cannot be delivered under the current government. The election, scheduled for 6 November, has become a contest between two narratives: supporters view Anant Singh as a Robin Hood figure repeatedly framed before elections, while victims' families demand justice and punishment. Senior journalist Satyanarayan Chaturvedi notes the atmosphere has shifted in Anant's favour due to the caste abuse controversy. This by-election will decide whether faith in a strongman prevails or fear demands accountability.
Top Leaders Campaign as Candidate Sits in Jail
JDU candidate Anant Kumar Singh remains in Beur Jail following his arrest in the murder case of Dularchand Yadav, but his absence has not stopped a massive campaign machinery. Union Minister Lalan Singh has virtually camped in Mokama, taking personal charge of election strategy. At a public meeting on Monday, he declared the Mokama Taal incident a conspiracy to frame the NDA candidate. He told workers that everyone must become Anant Singh to secure a massive victory. Lalan Singh, a prominent Bhumihar leader, announced he would stay in Mokama until polling day. Deputy CM Samrat Choudhary conducted a major road show in an open jeep, covering the route from Baharpur to Mokama Tiraha Chowk. The deployment of such heavyweight leaders shows how critical this seat has become for the NDA alliance. The entire state machinery appears focused on securing victory despite the candidate's incarceration. BJP and JDU have made this a prestige issue, unwilling to concede ground under any circumstances.
Caste Abuse Video Changes Election Dynamics
A viral video from Dularchand's funeral procession has dramatically altered Mokama's political landscape. The footage allegedly shows people openly abusing the Bhumihar caste while RJD candidate Beena Devi was present on the tractor. This single incident has unified the Bhumihar community behind Anant Singh with unprecedented intensity. Senior journalist Satyanarayan Chaturvedi explained that the atmosphere shifted decisively in Anant's favour after this video circulated widely. What began as a murder case has transformed into a battle over 'Bhumihar self-respect' versus the politics of abuse. The strategic deployment of Lalan Singh, himself a respected Bhumihar leader, is no coincidence. His presence aims to consolidate caste support and project this as an attack on community honour. Supporters now frame the election not as Anant Singh versus Dularchand, but as a question of defending dignity against insult. Even some Jansuraj workers have switched allegiance, claiming the party fielded the wrong candidate. One activist, Hareeram Kumar, stated he knows around 500 Jansuraj workers now backing Anant Singh instead of their official nominee.
Anant Singh's supporters remain supremely confident despite their leader's imprisonment. Pankaj Singh, closely associated with the candidate, declared that 'the name of the legislator is enough' and his absence makes no difference. Supporters view his arrest as yet another pre-election conspiracy designed to weaken their leader. They claim every time Anant Singh goes to jail before elections, his victory becomes certain, and this pattern has repeated multiple times. Workers insist the murder was a pre-planned conspiracy to attack Anant Singh himself, noting that he usually travels with 10 vehicles but had 50 vehicles that day. They allege outsiders were brought in to create trouble. Another supporter, Jai Prakash, stated that workers' enthusiasm has quadrupled this time. A viral video purportedly shows Dularchand pelting stones at vehicles in the rear of the convoy. Supporters argue this evidence proves the deceased was the aggressor, and linking their leader to murder does not resonate with voters. They portray Anant Singh as a Robin Hood figure repeatedly targeted through false cases.
The atmosphere in Dularchand's village Tartar stands in stark contrast to the confident mood in Anant Singh's strongholds. Over 200 security personnel patrol the village, yet residents express fear rather than feeling protected. Many villagers refused to reveal their names during interviews, terrified of being picked up by police. One resident stated he fears speaking because police immediately arrive and take people away whenever someone talks. He alleged the police work for Anant Singh and could frame innocent people in false cases. Another villager said, 'This government cannot deliver justice. Only showmanship is happening. Police are complicit.' Elderly resident Kishori Prasad demanded Anant Singh be disqualified from contesting and given capital punishment. He expressed the village's collective fear that 'he will return again.' Sanajay Kumar briefly mentioned the investigation is proceeding correctly before falling silent, saying he is tired of speaking. The village's mood completely contradicts the city's narrative—here there is no talk of abuse or self-respect, only fear, anger and a demand for justice. Residents believe change is coming and predict Tejashwi Yadav's government will replace the current administration.
Source: Link