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Anant Singh’s Nine-Murder Claim Fuels JD(U) Turmoil Ahead of Bihar Legislative Council Elections

By Drooid · · How we work

Core Event: Controversial Claim and Immediate Retraction

On October 16, 2026, JD(U) MLA Anant Kumar Singh said he had “got nine people murdered” to help former chief minister Nitish Kumar when the latter was a political newcomer. Within 24 hours Singh clarified that his statement had been “misunderstood,” asserting that nine of his associates were killed during the Lalu Prasad Yadav-led RJD government because of his alignment with Nitish Kumar.

'Masterminded 9 murders for Nitish', claims JDU's Anant Singh; later takes U-turn, blames Lalu 'Got 9 People Murdered' Anant Singh's Remark Sparks Row In Bihar, JD(U) MLA Later Clarifies Statement JD(U)’s Anant Singh Claims He Got ‘9 People Killed for Nitish Kumar’, Later Retracts Statement and Accuses Lalu Yadav JDU's Anant Singh Claims He Got '9 Killed For Nitish Kumar', Then A 'Lalu' U-Turn 'While with Nitish, I got 9 people murdered': Anant Singh's shocking claim, then clarification

Background & Context: Intra-Party Dispute and Election Stakes

Singh’s outburst came as JD(U) debated candidate selection for the upcoming Bihar Legislative Council polls. The party nominated Neeraj Kumar for the Patna Graduates’ constituency, a decision Singh opposed, backing Jan Suraaj Party candidate Anuj Singh instead.

'Got 9 people murdered for Nitish Kumar': Anant Singh backtracks as JD(U) distances itself The HinduJD(U)’s Anant Singh Claims He Got ‘9 People Killed for Nitish Kumar’, Later Retracts Statement and Accuses Lalu Yadav 'Masterminded 9 murders for Nitish', claims JDU's Anant Singh; later takes U-turn, blames Lalu

Timeline

  • Oct 16, 2026: Singh’s original “nine murders” statement recorded.
'Got 9 people murdered for Nitish Kumar': Anant Singh backtracks as JD(U) distances itself
  • Oct 17, 2026: JD(U) working president Sanjay Kumar Jha said the party had taken note of the incident.
The Hindu

Official Statements & Responses

JD(U) national spokesperson Rajiv Ranjan Prasad dismissed the claim, emphasizing Nitish Kumar’s “untainted record.” Working president Sanjay Kumar Jha said the matter was “in the party’s cognisance” and expressed confidence in the party’s prospects. Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi, leader of the Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular), called for “action against such people” and urged an investigation.

India TV'Masterminded 9 murders for Nitish', claims JDU's Anant Singh; later takes U-turn, blames Lalu The HinduThePrintAnant Singh's 'Nine Murders for Nitish' claim sparks furore in Bihar; JD(U) MLA later retracts

Criticism & Opposition

Conflicting Reports & Gaps

Sources differ on Singh’s nine-death reference. Initial reports quoted Singh saying he “got nine people murdered” to aid Nitish Kumar, implying personal orchestration. Later statements claim the nine deaths were of his own associates during the RJD regime, attributing the violence to his political alignment. No independent verification has been provided.

'While with Nitish, I got 9 people murdered': Anant Singh's shocking claim, then clarification

Data & Statistics

  • Seats contested: Eight (four Graduates’, four Teachers’).
ThePrint
  • JD(U) candidates: Four.
India TV
  • Election schedule: Voting Oct 23, counting Oct 27.
ThePrint

Verbatim Quotes

  • “Everything is in the party’s cognisance” — Sanjay Kumar Jha.
The Hindu
  • “During the Lalu Yadav government, nine of my associates were killed, and I myself was shot.” — Anant Kumar Singh.
JD(U)’s Anant Singh Claims He Got ‘9 People Killed for Nitish Kumar’, Later Retracts Statement and Accuses Lalu Yadav

What’s Next: Upcoming Electoral Milestones

The Council elections on Oct 23 will decide eight seats, with counting on Oct 27. JD(U) officials remain confident of winning, while opposition parties press for clarification of Singh’s statements and possible investigations into alleged political violence.

New Indian Express