Bihar elections: ‘Don’ Anant Singh files nomination; declares Rs 37 crore assets amid 28 criminal cases

Patna: Anant Kumar Singh, widely known as ‘Chhote Sarkar’, has filed his nomination as the JD(U) candidate from Bihar’s Mokama assembly seat, declaring assets worth ₹37.88 crore in his affidavit.

Singh, a five-time MLA from Mokama, submitted his nomination papers on Tuesday notably, before the JD(U) had officially released its candidate list for the upcoming assembly elections. According to party sources, Singh filed the papers after receiving the party symbol directly from the top leadership.

In the affidavit submitted to the returning officer, Singh declared movable assets worth ₹26.66 crore and immovable properties worth ₹11.22 crore. His wife, Neelam Devi, currently a sitting MLA from Mokama, declared assets significantly higher, a total of ₹62.72 crore, comprising ₹13.07 crore in movable assets and ₹49.65 crore in immovable properties.

How much are their total assets worth?

As per the affidavit, Singh holds ₹15.61 lakh in cash, while Neelam has ₹34.60 lakh. Both own several bank accounts and a significant amount of gold jewellery — Singh’s valued at ₹15 lakh, and his wife's at ₹76.61 lakh.

Their vehicle collection includes three high-end SUVs worth ₹3.23 crore under Singh’s name, and another three luxury cars valued at ₹77.62 lakh owned by Neelam. Notably, Singh’s listed assets also include livestock — horses and cows.

Singh is facing 28 criminal cases, as stated in the affidavit. Despite his criminal record, he remains a dominant force in Mokama politics. His family has largely controlled the seat since 1990, with only a brief period of interruption when it was taken by a rival bahubali (strongman).

In 2022, Singh handed over the reins to his wife after being disqualified from the Assembly due to his conviction in a UAPA case. However, he was recently acquitted by the Patna High Court — a development that paved the way for his political return.

Making his intentions clear, Singh said he no longer wishes to entrust his wife with “guarding the family fortress”. His return marks a shift in the local political dynamics, especially as his wife had contested — and won — the 2020 election on an RJD ticket, before shifting allegiance to the NDA government.

Mokama will go to the polls in the first phase on 6 November. In response to Singh’s candidacy, the RJD has vowed to back any contender capable of posing the “toughest challenge” to Chhote Sarkar, indicating a fierce electoral battle ahead.