Patna: Controversial Bihar strongman Anant Singh took the oath as a member of the state Legislative Assembly on Tuesday, arriving at the Assembly from Beur Jail in an ambulance due to ill health. The oath-taking, closely monitored by heavy police deployment, marked Singh’s formal assumption of office following his landslide victory from the Mokama constituency.
Singh, who has been in judicial custody for three months in connection with the Dularchand Yadav murder case, took the oath without reading the document. Immediately afterwards, he approached Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, touched his feet in a gesture of respect, and sought his blessings. Reports noted that the Chief Minister inquired about the tilak on Singh’s forehead before Singh returned to his designated seat as Assembly members observed.
Speaking briefly to the media, Singh attributed the delay in taking the oath to his health and reiterated that his release from jail was contingent on the judiciary. “I will come out of jail only when the judge decides,” he said.
The Patna Civil Court had cleared the way for Singh’s oath-taking but granted permission strictly for that ceremony. He is yet to secure bail in the murder case and will return to Beur Jail immediately after the proceedings.
Security arrangements were stringent: the Assembly premises were fortified with additional police personnel, CCTV monitoring, quick response teams, and escort vehicles. Supporter gatherings were prohibited, and thorough security checks were conducted at entry points.
Singh’s oath was constitutionally necessary. Under Article 188 of the Indian Constitution, an MLA cannot participate in House proceedings without taking the oath; Article 193 prescribes penalties for doing so. With the ceremony completed, Singh’s legislative membership is now formal.
In the October elections, Singh won the Mokama seat with 91,416 votes, defeating RJD candidate Veena Devi, who received 63,210 votes, by a margin of 28,206 votes. His oath-taking on Tuesday allows him to formally begin his tenure, though he remains in judicial custody pending the High Court’s hearing of his bail application.
