Political friction in Bihar has intensified over the upcoming Legislative Council elections, with rebel MLA Anant Singh creating significant complications for the Janata Dal (United). In an attempt to defuse internal rebellion, a key NDA legislature meeting was convened at Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary's official residence. The meeting brought together top leadership from the JDU, Rashtriya Lok Morcha (RLM), and Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM) alongside Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary to devise an election roadmap. The alliance set an explicit target to secure all eight seats, instructing legislators to put aside internal differences, immediately activate their respective networks in the field, and work collectively for official coalition candidates. However, the directive failed to sway Anant Singh, who maintained his defiant stance and reaffirmed his commitment to campaign exclusively for Jan Suraaj candidate Anuj Singh.
Anant Singh Rejects Alliance Directives
The instructions issued during the NDA legislature meeting appeared to have no impact on MLA Anant Singh's posture. He dismissed outside opinions, stating that remarks from others do not concern him and that he will proceed with campaigning for Dr. Anuj Kumar Singh. Anant Singh had earlier declared open opposition to JDU's official candidate Neeraj Kumar by extending support to the Jan Suraaj contender. In response to his rebellion, Bihar Government Minister Shrawan Kumar issued a direct warning, stating that any leader campaigning against NDA candidates will face formal disciplinary action.
JDU Candidate Neeraj Kumar Reacts Calmly
When questioned about the opposition from Anant Singh, JDU candidate Neeraj Kumar reacted dismissively. Neeraj Kumar remarked that Anant Singh's resentment poses no threat to his electoral prospects. He maintained that major leaders like Nitish Kumar and Samrat Choudhary stand firmly behind his candidature, asserting that opposition from individual leaders cannot derail his campaign when the senior leadership of the alliance provides complete backing.
Prashant Kishor Enters the Fray as Sanjay Jha Steps In
Following Neeraj Kumar's remarks regarding Anant Singh, Jan Suraaj founder Prashant Kishor entered the political debate with sharp criticism. Prashant Kishor claimed that Neeraj Kumar suffers from a habit of boastfulness and questioned why Nitish Kumar has not spoken publicly on his behalf if he truly backs the candidature. He argued that the JDU candidate will face serious electoral repercussions for his rhetoric, adding that leaders within the JDU are not genuinely supporting Neeraj Kumar's campaign.
Amid rising tension, JDU Working President Sanjay Jha took charge to rally party cadre. Sanjay Jha emphasized to party leaders that although the outcome of the Legislative Council elections might not directly affect the government's stability, it remains a critical test of the party's prestige. He called upon all party functionaries to demonstrate unity and effectively confront those actively working against JDU interests in the field.
