​​​​​​​Patna, October 26: As Bihar gears up for assembly elections, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s Janata Dal (United) (JD(U)) has expelled 16 leaders for engaging in anti-party activities. Among the expelled are a sitting MLA, Narendra Niraj (also known as Gopal Mandal) from Gopalpur in Bhagalpur district, and two former ministers. The majority of these leaders have reportedly filed nominations against official candidates of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), intensifying the party's internal strife.

The expulsions were confirmed through two separate notices issued over the weekend—one on Saturday night and the other on Sunday. The rebel leaders were found guilty of "anti-party activities" and of straying from the core principles of JD(U), according to the party's statements. Narendra Niraj, in particular, has made headlines for his controversial actions, adding fuel to the ongoing tensions within the party.

This crackdown by the JD(U) comes as the party seeks to strengthen its position ahead of the elections and maintain discipline within its ranks.