Bihar MLC Polls: The infighting in Janata Dal United (JDU) intensified on Thursday after Neeraj Kumar, who won the Patna Graduates' seat in the MLC polls, refused to meet and "seek blessings" of senior leader Rajiv Ranjan (Lalan Singh). While talking to the reporters after meeting the party's senior leadership, Kumar clarified that he will not meet Singh. Earlier during the campaign, expelled JDU leader Anant Singh opposed Neeraj's candidature and openly endorsed Jan Suraaj's candidate.
What Neeraj Kumar Said?
Following his victory in the MLC polls, Kumar met senior leaders, including JDU National Working President Sanjay Jha and State President Umesh Kushwaha. While addressing the reporters, Kumar thanked Sanjay Jha for his active role in the elections. "We completed this electoral journey thanks to our party workers...In this 'Dharmayuddha', a struggle between righteousness and unrighteousness, our party and the NDA stood firm," Kumar was quoted as saying by news agency ANI.
However, upon being asked if he will meet Lalan Singh to seek his blessings, Kumar asserted that people have given him a clear mandate, adding that he will not personally meet anyone for blessings. "Those who need to be congratulated are doing so. I won't go to them to seek blessings. There's no question of seeking blessings from Lalan Singh," Kumar was quoted as saying by Aaj Tak.
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What Caused Infighting?
The internal crisis intensified when Anant Singh, a party MLA from Mokama and a known strongman, opposed Neeraj's candidature due to their personal rivalry. Anant Singh is also considered close to Lalan Singh, party senior leader. While addressing the issue during the campaign, Lalan Singh stated that every reaction is due to some action, reportedly a dig at Neeraj Kumar.
However, the party later expelled Singh for six years for his involvement in anti-party activities and sought his removal as MLA. While Anant Singh has an excellent electoral success rate, Neeraj Kumar successfully defeated his endorsed candidate to retain the high-profile seat.
What's Next For JDU?
With veteran Nitish Kumar's exit from active politics, the JDU is facing a leadership crisis. The party leaders have promoted Nitish's son Nishant Kumar, but he is yet to prove his leadership skills.