JDU Faces Internal Split Over Patna Graduate Council Seat as Anant Singh Backs Opponent

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 rare step of openly supporting Jan Suraaj’s candidate, Anuj Singh.

Anant Singh Throws Support Behind Jan Suraaj

At a recent nomination‑related gathering, Anant Singh stood shoulder‑to‑shoulder with Anuj Singh, joining the rival’s road‑show and lending his voice to the campaign. This public endorsement runs counter to the JDU’s official line, which continues to champion Neeraj Kumar for the graduate seat.

Party insiders say Singh’s move stems from a long‑standing personal and political feud with Kumar, a dispute that has now spilled into the open and forced the JDU leadership 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 tasked with brokering peace between the two camps. Working President Sanjay Kumar Jha announced that a series of meetings with both Anant Singh and Neerja Kumar will be arranged to seek a settlement.

The timing is crucial, as Neeraj Kumar is scheduled to file his nomination on Monday. In parallel, Chief Minister and JDU national president Nitish Kumar met Lalan Singh that same morning to assess the situation and map out a way forward.

Neeraj Kumar Remains JDU’s Flag‑Bearer

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

Jan Suraaj, meanwhile, has fielded Anuj Singh as its contender, 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 sustain his support for the rival candidate. The episode is noteworthy because it pits two members of the same party against each other in a single contest.

For the JDU’s top brass, reconciling the two leaders is essential to present a united front as the election approaches. The developments that follow the nomination filing will reveal whether the party can bridge the divide or if the discord will linger throughout the campaign.