JDU Faces Internal Split Over Patna Graduate Seat as Anant Singh Backs Opposition Candidate

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

Anant Singh Throws His Weight Behind 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 narrative. This overt endorsement directly contradicts the JDU’s official line, which continues to champion Neeraj Kumar for the graduate seat.

Party insiders trace Singh’s defection to a protracted personal and political feud with Kumar. The discord has now spilled into the public arena, compelling the JDU leadership to confront an uncommon intra‑party showdown.

Leadership Steps In to Heal the Rift

In response, senior leader Rajiv Ranjan Singh, popularly known as Lalan Singh, has been tasked with brokering dialogue 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 submit his nomination on Monday. Meanwhile, Chief Minister and JDU national president Nitish Kumar met with Lalan Singh that same morning, reportedly to assess the situation and map a way forward.

Neeraj Kumar Remains the Party’s Flag‑Bearer

Despite the dissent, the JDU has reiterated that Neeraj Kumar will contest the Patna Graduate seat for a second term. Kumar has already held a meeting with Nitish Kumar ahead of the nomination deadline, underscoring his commitment to the campaign.

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

What Lies Ahead?

The immediate spotlight now rests on Neeraj Kumar’s filing of nomination papers and whether Anant Singh will persist in backing the opposition contender. The episode is noteworthy because it pits two members of the same party against each other in a single race.

For JDU’s top brass, reconciling the two leaders is essential to project 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 friction will linger throughout the campaign.