JDU Strongman Dhumal Singh Puts Roadblock in Deputy CM Vijay Sinha’s Drive Against Land Mafia

Patna: Even as Bihar Deputy Chief Minister and Revenue & Land Reforms Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha issues stern warnings against land mafias, a powerful leader from his own party has landed the government in an embarrassing spot. JDU MLA and strongman Manoranjan Singh alias Dhumal Singh has been accused of illegal land encroachment in the heart of the state capital, openly challenging the Deputy CM’s ultimatum.

The latest controversy has emerged from Nepali Nagar (Mahavir Colony, Road No. 6) in Patna, where a local resident has accused Dhumal Singh and his associates of forcibly demolishing a boundary wall during the night and attempting to seize the land. The incident has triggered political ripples, especially at a time when the state government claims to be cracking down hard on land grabbers.

What makes the case politically sensitive is the timing. Deputy CM Vijay Sinha has repeatedly warned that no land mafia—regardless of political backing—will be spared. However, allegations against a sitting JDU legislator have raised serious questions about the credibility and enforcement of the government’s anti-encroachment campaign.

A Long History of Land Encroachment Allegations

This is not the first time Dhumal Singh’s name has surfaced in land-related disputes. In October 2014, he was accused of illegally occupying nearly 37 acres of government land. An FIR was registered at Rajiv Nagar police station on the complaint of the Bihar Housing Federation. Several others, including JDU leader Pradeep Mahto, were also named in the case.

Despite such allegations, Dhumal Singh’s political clout continued to grow. During his tenure as MLA from Baniapur, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar had even visited his ancestral residence for lunch—an episode widely seen as a signal of his influence within the ruling party.

From Crime to Power Politics

Manoranjan Singh, popularly known as Dhumal Singh, has a controversial past. In the 1970s, he was considered a dominant figure in the criminal underworld, with his name featuring on police “most-wanted” lists. Criminal cases linked to him have been reported across Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Mumbai, and Jharkhand.

Despite this background, Dhumal Singh carved out a successful political career. He entered electoral politics in 2000 as an Independent MLA from Baniapur, later winning elections on LJP and JDU tickets. Over the years, he shifted constituencies and remained a key player in Saran district politics. In 2025, JDU once again fielded him from the Ekma Assembly constituency, where he emerged victorious.

A Test for the Government

The fresh allegations against Dhumal Singh have turned into a litmus test for the Nitish Kumar government. Political observers say the case will reveal whether the administration’s tough talk against land mafias is merely rhetoric—or whether action will be taken even against influential leaders within the ruling party.

For now, the alleged encroachment has cast a long shadow over Deputy CM Vijay Sinha’s campaign, with critics questioning whether political power continues to override the rule of law in Bihar.