FIR registered against Lalan Singh for controversial remarks in Mokama

Patna: An FIR was registered against Union minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh aka Lalan Singh on Tuesday following a controversial statement he made during a campaign for JD(U) candidate Anant Singh in Mokama on Monday. The Patna district administration on Tuesday confirmed the registration of the FIR, citing violations under the BNSS and the Representation of the People Act.The controversy erupted after a video surfaced allegedly showing Lalan urging NDA supporters to intimidate opposition leaders on polling day. In the video, Lalan can be heard speaking in Magahi, instructing supporters to prevent certain leaders of Mokama constituency from coming out from their homes on the voting day on Nov 6. “Lock them up inside their homes. If they cajole you, accompany them to polling booths and ensure that they go home after casting their vote,” he purportedly said.The video quickly went viral on social media, although its authenticity has not been independently verified by TOI. The Patna district administration, too, has posted the controversial video on its ‘X’ handle.This incident adds to the ongoing tensions surrounding Anant Singh, a don-turned-politician and former MLA, who is currently seeking to reclaim the Mokama seat. Singh, along with associates Manikant Thakur and Ranjeet Ram, was arrested in connection with the murder of Jan Suraaj supporter Dularchand Yadav.

Yadav was campaigning for Jan Suraaj’s candidate Piyush Priyadarshi in Mokama when he was killed.During a campaign event in Mokama, Lalan Singh defended Anant Singh, describing the murder incident as a “conspiracy” and asserted that Anant Singh had cooperated with the police. “After Anant Singh’s arrest, every person should contest the election as Anant Singh. When Anant Babu was out, my responsibility was less, but now that he is in jail, my responsibility has increased even more,” Lalan stated.

He further claimed, “There is a conspiracy behind the arrest of Anant Singh.

The truth will soon come out as the police are investigating the case.”The opposition parties, including RJD and Congress, have reacted strongly to Lalan’s remarks. The RJD criticised Lalan’s comments, accusing him of undermining the Election Commission. In a post on X, the RJD wrote, “Lalan Singh, while running a bulldozer over the chest of the Election Commission, is saying that the poor should not be allowed to step out of their homes on the voting day! They should be locked inside the house, if they create too much fuss, then take them along and let them cast their vote. Where is the dead commission?”RJD leader Tejashwi Prasad Yadav in a post on X said, “Union minister Lalan Singh is openly saying that the poor, dalits, and extremely backward classes (EBCs) should not be allowed to step out of their homes to vote.”

By threatening voters, the Union minister is flouting the rules of the Election Commission and the model code of conduct, he said.“With the administration’s support, a deep conspiracy is underway to deprive dalits and EBCs of their voting rights. These people want to end democracy and the Constitution. Will the Election Commission take action against Lalan Singh after checking an auspicious time, or will it wait for Amit Shah’s instructions? Two outsiders, with the support of three and a half people from JD(U), are ready to go to any extent to capture Bihar,” the RJD leader said.