JDU Turmoil Over Patna Graduate Seat as Anant Singh Backs Opponent Candidate

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 once again put forward incumbent MLC Neeraj Kumar, Mokama MLA Anant Singh has taken the rare step of openly supporting Jan Suraaj’s contender, Anuj Singh.

Anant Singh Sides With Jan Suraaj

During a recent nomination‑related gathering, Anant Singh stood shoulder‑to‑shoulder with Anuj Singh, joining the rival’s road‑show and amplifying his campaign message. This public backing runs counter to the JDU’s official line, which has nominated Neeraj Kumar for the graduate seat.

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

Leadership Steps In to Heal the Rift

In response, senior leader Rajiv Ranjan Singh, better 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 scheduled 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 Lalan Singh the same morning to review the situation and map a path forward.

Neeraj Kumar Remains JDU’s Flag‑Bearer

Despite the dissent, the party has reiterated 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 race.

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 JDU’s top brass, reconciling the two leaders is essential to present a united front as the election moves forward. 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.