JD(U) Bihar chief denies factionalism within party

Amid a raging controversy over simmering differences between two ruling Janata Dal (United) (JD(U)) legislators, the party’s Bihar president Umesh Kushwaha on Monday (September 21, 2026) said there were “no differences between them”, nor any rift within “as the party keeps an eye over such developments”.

The remarks came days after reports emerged of barbs being traded by the party’s bahubali (strongman) MLA from Mokama Assembly constituency Anant Singh alias ‘Chhote Sarkar’(’mini government’) and the party’s four-time MLC from the Patna Graduate constituency Neeraj Kumar Singh.

“There is no rift in the party nor are there any differences between the party legislators. The party has been keeping an eye over such developments. No party leader can make comments that will hurt the prestige of the party,” Mr. Kushwaha told media persons in Patna on Monday (September 21, 2026).

The JD(U) is likely to repeat Mr. Neeraj Kumar Singh’s candidature from the seat for the upcoming Bihar Legislative Council election. Polling is likely to take place after the term of eight incumbents, four each in the ‘Teacher’ and ‘Graduate’ categories, ends on November 16, 2026.

The JD(U) has not yet announced the names of its candidates. The Opposition Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) has announced the names of six candidates, and the newly launched Jan Suraaj Party on September 20 announced the names of five candidates for the upcoming MLC election.

Mokama strongman MLA Mr. Anant Singh had earlier announced that he would oppose the candidature of Mr. Neeraj Kumar Singh, and support the relatively unknown political novice Anuj Singh in the election. Mr. Anant Singh accused Mr. Neeraj Kumar Singh of orchestrating a conspiracy against him in the Assembly election, which he (Mr. Anant Singh) had contested, and of framing him in criminal cases, including the 2019 AK-47 recovery case in which he (Mr. Anant Singh) was sent to jail.

“Come what may, I will ensure the defeat of Neeraj Kumar Singh in the election,” Mr. Anant Singh told media persons on September 18, when the JD(U) organised an orientation programme for party legislators in Patna. He also challenged Mr. Neeraj Kumar Singh to undergo a narco analysis test, if need be, “to know who is lying”.

Mr. Neeraj Kumar Singh, who is also a JD(U) spokesperson, in turn drew attention to Mr. Anant Singh’s criminal antecedents, and that he (Mr. Neeraj Kumar Singh) was “not afraid of anyone” as long as former Chief Minister Nitish Kumar was there, “and now his son Nishant Kumar is leading the party”. “I have always followed party leadership decisions…and the party has not taken any decision yet on its candidates for the upcoming State Legislative Council elections,” Mr. Neeraj Kumar Singh said.

While both leaders, who are from the upper caste Bhumihar community, are locked in their political feud, JD(U) leaders have been denying the “rift among party leaders”.

Meanwhile, Mr. Neeraj Kumar Singh campaigned in the Phulwarisharief area of Patna on September 19. When asked about a narco analysis test suggested for him by his party colleague Mr. Anant Singh, Mr. Neeraj Kumar Singh said, “As far as I know, such tests are being ordered by the courts in certain circumstances.”

“You ask him (Anant Singh) to write jamanat (bail) on paper, and I can say he would not be able to write it down,” Mr. Neeraj Kumar Singh added.

“I admit I am unlettered and cannot write it down but I will ensure his (Mr. Neeraj Kumar Singh’s) defeat in the upcoming elections,” Mr. Anant Singh said in response.

The dates for elections to the eight Legislative Council seat are likely to be announced by the end of September.