Mokama Assembly Seat: A Crucible of Power and Legacy
The political fate of Mokama, one of Bihar's most strategically vital and volatile constituencies, is being decided today as vote counting begins. This high-stakes battle, unfolding in the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections, is a direct clash between two formidable political legacies, both rooted in the influential Bhumihaar community.
The Key Contenders and Their Political Saga
The electoral arena sees the Janata Dal (United) putting its weight behind the controversial strongman Anant Singh, popularly known as 'Chhote Sarkar'. His opponent, fielded by the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), is Veena Devi, the wife of former MP and powerful leader Surajbhan Singh. Adding a third dimension to the contest is Priyadarshi Piyush, the candidate from the Jan Suraaj Party.
Anant Singh's political journey is a dramatic tale of dominance and disruption. He has been the central figure in Mokama's politics since 2005, maintaining an iron grip despite switching party allegiances—from JD(U) to Independent and later to the RJD. His reign was abruptly halted in 2022 when he was convicted under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and subsequently disqualified from the Assembly.
In a strategic move following his conviction, the RJD nominated his wife, Neelam Devi, in the ensuing by-election. She successfully retained the seat for the family. The plot took another twist when the Patna High Court acquitted Anant Singh, paving the way for his dramatic return to the political battlefield, though now under the banner of his former rivals, the JD(U).
The Constituency and the Electoral Process
Mokama is one of the 243 constituencies that constitute the Bihar Legislative Assembly. Geographically, it falls within the Munger Lok Sabha constituency and is one of the 14 assembly segments located in the Patna district. The constituency participated in the democratic process during the first phase of the Bihar Assembly elections on November 6, which saw voting across 121 other constituencies statewide.
The counting of votes for this keenly watched seat is now underway, with the entire state awaiting the outcome that will determine the next chapter in Mokama's turbulent political history.
