JDU Turmoil Over Patna Graduate Seat as Anant Singh Backs Opponent

Patna. The contest for the Bihar Legislative Council’s Patna Graduate constituency has become a flashpoint for the Janata Dal (United). While the party has again put forward incumbent MLC Neeraj Kumar, Mokama MLA Anant Singh has taken the rare step of publicly endorsing the Jan Suraaj challenger, Anuj Singh.

Anant Singh Sides With Jan Suraaj

At a recent nomination‑related gathering, Anant Singh stood shoulder‑to‑shoulder with Anuj Singh, joining a road‑show that showcased the rival’s campaign. His overt backing runs counter to the JDU’s official position, which backs Neeraj Kumar for the graduate seat.

Party insiders say Singh’s move stems from a long‑standing personal and political feud with Kumar. The clash has now spilled into the public arena, forcing JDU leaders to grapple with an unusual intra‑party confrontation.

Leadership Steps In To Heal The Rift

Senior leader Rajiv Ranjan Singh, popularly known as Lalan Singh, has been assigned to mediate 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 set to file his nomination on Monday. Meanwhile, Chief Minister and JDU national president Nitish Kumar met Lalan Singh the same morning to review the situation and plot a way forward.

Neeraj Kumar Remains JDU’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 commitment to the campaign.

Jan Suraaj, for its part, has fielded Anuj Singh as its candidate, turning the constituency into a focal point of Bihar’s political discourse.

What Lies Ahead?

The immediate spotlight now falls on Neeraj Kumar’s filing of nomination papers and whether Anant Singh will continue to back the rival. The episode is noteworthy because it pits two members of the same party against each other in a single contest.

For JDU’s senior leadership, reconciling the two figures is essential to present a united front as the election progresses. The next developments after the nomination filing will reveal whether the party can bridge the divide or if the discord will linger throughout the campaign.