Patna. The contest for the Patna Graduate constituency of the Bihar Legislative Council has become a flashpoint for the Janata Dal (United). Although the party has once again put forward incumbent MLC Neeraj Kumar, Mokama MLA Anant Singh has taken the surprising step of openly endorsing the Jan Suraaj contender, Anuj Singh.
Anant Singh Sides With Jan Suraaj
At a recent event linked to the nomination process, Anant Singh appeared beside Anuj Singh, joining the rival’s road‑show and amplifying his campaign message. This public endorsement directly contradicts the JDU’s official position, which continues to rally behind Neeraj Kumar for the graduate seat.
Party observers attribute Singh’s deviation to a long‑standing personal and political feud with Kumar. The dispute has now spilled into the open, forcing the JDU hierarchy to confront an unusual intra‑party confrontation.
Leadership Steps In to Heal the Rift
In reaction, senior leader Rajiv Ranjan Singh, popularly known as Lalan Singh, has been assigned the task of mediating between the two camps. Working President Sanjay Kumar Jha announced that a series of talks with both Anant Singh and Neeraj Kumar will be arranged to seek a settlement.
The timing is crucial, as Neeraj Kumar is slated to file his nomination on Monday. Meanwhile, Chief Minister and JDU national president Nitish Kumar met with Lalan Singh the same morning, reportedly to assess the situation and outline a way forward.
Neeraj Kumar Remains the Party’s Flag‑Bearer
Despite the dissent, the JDU has reaffirmed that Neeraj Kumar will contest the Patna Graduate seat for a second term. Kumar has already met with Nitish Kumar ahead of the nomination deadline, underscoring his dedication to the campaign.
Jan Suraaj, on its side, has fielded Anuj Singh as its candidate, turning the constituency into a focal point of Bihar’s political conversation.
What Lies Ahead?
The immediate spotlight now falls on Neeraj Kumar’s nomination filing and whether Anant Singh will persist in backing the rival. The episode is notable for pitting two members of the same party against each other in a single contest.
For the JDU’s senior leadership, reconciling the two figures is essential to project a united front as the election moves forward. The developments following the nomination filing will reveal whether the party can bridge the divide or if the discord will linger throughout the campaign.
