JDU Turmoil Over Patna Graduate Seat as Anant Singh Throws Support Behind Rival Candidate

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

Anant Singh Throws His Weight Behind Jan Suraaj

At a recent nomination‑related rally, Anant Singh stood shoulder‑to‑shoulder with Anuj Singh, joining the rival’s road‑show and amplifying his campaign message. This public show of support runs counter to the JDU’s official line, which continues to endorse Neeraj Kumar for the graduate seat.

Party observers trace Singh’s defection to a long‑standing personal and political feud with Kumar. The dispute has now spilled into the open, forcing the JDU leadership to grapple with an unusual internal clash.

Leadership Steps In to Bridge the Divide

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

All eyes now turn to Neeraj Kumar’s filing of nomination papers and whether Anant Singh will continue to back the rival. The episode is notable because it pits 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 present a united front as the election progresses. The next developments after the nomination filing will reveal whether the party can mend the rift or if the discord will linger throughout the campaign.