Bihar Elections 2025: JDU Expels 16 Leaders For Anti-Party Activities

In a significant move just before the Bihar Assembly elections, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's Janata Dal (United) expelled 16 leaders for alleged anti-party actions. This announcement on October 26 followed the removal of 11 party members the previous day for similar reasons.

The expelled individuals include sitting MLA Gopal Mandal, former MLA Maheshwar Yadav, and former MLC Sanjeev Shyam Singh. The party stated these leaders were involved in activities that went against JDU's core interests and discipline, with some reportedly planning to contest elections independently.

String of Expulsions

The initial list released on October 25 saw the expulsion of 11 senior leaders. Among them were former Minister Shailesh Kumar, former MLC Sanjay Prasad, and former MLAs Shyam Bahadur Singh and Sudarshan Kumar. Other expelled members included former MLCs Ranvijay Singh, Amar Kumar Singh, Asma Parveen, Love Kumar, Asha Suman, Divyanshu Bharadwaj, and Vivek Shukla.

Party insiders revealed that the leadership aimed to send a strong message against disloyalty or internal factionalism ahead of crucial elections. Sources mentioned that Nitish Kumar personally reviewed the list before finalising the expulsions.

Nitish Kumar Criticises Opposition

Amidst this political upheaval, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar criticised the opposition INDIA bloc for treating Muslims merely as a "vote bank." He claimed that opposition parties make empty promises unlike the NDA government which has consistently worked for minority welfare since 2005.

Kumar highlighted initiatives like increased funding for the Minority Welfare Department, modernisation and financial aid for madrasas, scholarships for students, hostel facilities, and entrepreneurship programs for young Muslims.

Emphasis on Real Development

Nitish Kumar urged minority voters in Bihar to evaluate parties based on tangible outcomes rather than rhetoric. He stated, "We have brought peace, curbed communal tensions, and prioritised inclusive development," contrasting his administration's achievements with previous governments accused of neglecting real progress.

Bihar Elections Timeline

Bihar's Assembly election will occur in two phases: November 6 and November 11. Results are set to be announced on November 14. This election is anticipated to be one of the state's most closely watched contests in recent years.