Sadanand Singh: The Congress Stalwart Who Dominated Bihar Politics and Took on Lalu–Nitish with Sheer Political Might

Patna:
Fearless, sharp-minded, and always politically alert—Sadanand Singh was not just a leader, but an era in Bihar politics. A senior Congress stalwart and ten-time Leader of the Opposition in the Bihar Assembly, Singh was known for his commanding presence, strategic acumen, and unwavering loyalty to the Congress party. His demise in 2022 marked the end of a powerful political chapter in Bihar.

Despite leading a weakened Congress for long periods, Sadanand Singh repeatedly demonstrated that political strength is not merely about numbers, but about will and wisdom. From challenging Lalu Prasad Yadav’s dominance to giving Nitish Kumar unexpected political jolts, Singh proved time and again that he was a master strategist.

A Record-Breaking Legislator

Sadanand Singh contested elections 12 times from the Kahalgaon Assembly constituency in Bhagalpur, winning 9 times, a record that places him among the most successful legislators in Bihar’s history. Even during the 2015 Assembly elections, when Congress performed poorly statewide, Singh managed to retain his seat—testimony to his deep grassroots connect and personal credibility.

He began his legislative journey in 1969, winning his first election on a Congress ticket. In 1985, when the party denied him a ticket, Singh contested as an Independent—and won. Though he faced defeats in 1990, 1995, and 2005, he made strong comebacks in 2010 and 2015, reinforcing his image as a resilient political warrior.

Key Positions and Contributions

Sadanand Singh served as:

• President of the Bhagalpur District Congress Committee (1990–1993)
• President and Vice President of Bihar Pradesh Congress Committee
• Leader of the Congress Legislature Party for nearly a decade
• Minister of State for Irrigation and Energy in the Bihar Government

His leadership helped sustain and expand the Congress organization in Bihar during its most challenging phases.

Standing Up to Lalu Prasad Yadav

After the fall of the RJD government in 2005, Singh consistently advocated that Congress should contest elections independently in Bihar. During the 2009 Lok Sabha and 2010 Assembly elections, while the central Congress leadership leaned toward alliance politics, Singh openly welcomed fighting alone—especially after Lalu Prasad Yadav refused to give Congress due importance.

Ahead of the 2020 Assembly elections, Singh strongly pushed for breaking the alliance with RJD and demanded at least 70 seats for Congress if the alliance continued. Ultimately, Lalu Prasad Yadav had to concede—an outcome that reflected Singh’s negotiating power even in his later years.

The Nitish Kumar Shock: A Political Masterstroke

One of the most dramatic moments in Bihar politics came in 2000, when Bihar and Jharkhand were still united. Nitish Kumar, backed by the BJP and Samata Party, was sworn in as Chief Minister but had to prove his majority on the Assembly floor within seven days.

Sadanand Singh was appointed Protem Speaker. Allegedly sensing that Singh could maneuver Congress legislators in a way that would reduce the government to a minority, Nitish Kumar resigned even before the floor test, making his government one of the shortest-lived in Bihar’s history.

Subsequently, Rabri Devi formed the government with Congress and Left support, and Sadanand Singh was rewarded with the post of Speaker of the Bihar Legislative Assembly—a clear recognition of his pivotal role.

Legacy of a Political Heavyweight

Calm in demeanor yet fierce in politics, Sadanand Singh lived up to his name—always composed, always in command. His life remains a reminder that political relevance comes not from alliances alone, but from conviction, courage, and command over strategy.

With his passing in 2022, Bihar did not just lose a Congress leader—it lost one of its most seasoned and influential political minds.