JDU’s surgical strike on rebels: 11 leaders, including ex-minister and MLA, expelled from party

Bihar Elections 2025: Amidst the excitement of the Bihar Assembly elections, Janata Dal (United) has played a big gamble to crush the internal rebellion. The party expelled 11 rebel leaders—including former ministers, MLAs and MLCs—from its primary membership with immediate effect. This action has been taken against leaders who were deviating from the party line and contesting as independents or in other ways, which raised questions about the unity of the organization.

Complete list of expelled leaders: Who are these 'rebels'?

These leaders are from different districts and are mostly associated with the first-phase seats, where JDU has a strong hold. A detailed list of these has been given in the letter issued by State General Secretary Chandan Kumar Singh:
 

These rebels had pitted themselves against the party's official candidates, who could weaken the NDA's strategy.

Reason behind expulsion: Violation of discipline

The party clearly said that these leaders "have acted against the ideology, discipline and organizational conduct of the party." It is mentioned in the letter of Chandan Kumar Singh that his rebellion has damaged the image of the organization. This step of JDU gives a very clear message—rebellion will not be tolerated!

Election background: 243 seats at stake, JDU has major stake

Bihar elections are being held in two phases—the first phase on November 6 (121 seats) and the second on November 11. Counting of votes will take place on November 14. JDU has got 101 seats in the NDA alliance, including 57 seats in the first phase. Of the 43 JDU MLAs in 2020, 23 were from the first-phase seats. In the first phase, there is a direct contest on 36 seats from the Grand Alliance, 13 from Congress, 7 from CPI(ML) and 2 from VIP.

NDA seat distribution: JDU-101, BJP-101, LJP(RA)-29, HAM-6, RLMO-6. All parties have announced candidates, and now this removal seems to be an attempt to strengthen the unity of the NDA.

Political impact: Benefit or challenge to the INDI Alliance?

This move comes after Tejashwi Yadav's recent announcements (doubling Panchayat allowance, insurance to PDS dealers, etc.), which are an attempt to strengthen the grand alliance. If these rebels remain independent, JDU may suffer loss due to vote cuts; Otherwise, they may fall into the lap of the Grand Alliance. There was no additional comment from JDU, but the discussion is in full swing in the political circles.