Controversy over the return of Anant Singh in JDU on Mokama seat. Neeraj Kumar opposed his candidature. The situation may be clear from the NDA conference of 16 September.
Patna: The controversy over the distribution of tickets within the Janata Dal United (JDU) before the Bihar assembly elections has created a stir in the political corridors. This time, there is a sharp struggle within the party about Anant Singh regarding the Mokama seat. The discussion of former MLA and Bahubali leader Anant Singh’s return to JDU is gaining momentum, but some senior leaders of the party are against his candidature.
Question on the return of Anant Singh
Anant Singh, who recently released from jail, has made it clear that he wants to contest from Mokama this time. Anant Singh has also increased activeness on social media and is hosting the NDA workers’ conference to be held in Mokama on 16 September. The posters of the conference include pictures of Prime Minister Modi, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and JDU President Lalan Singh, indicating that Anant Singh is going to contest as JDU candidate.
But senior party leader and MLC Neeraj Kumar, who has contested from Mokama, has reacted strongly to Anant Singh’s activism. Neeraj Kumar has a stance that Anant Singh should first take membership of JDU, only then he can have a candidature. He also advised the party leadership to take precautions, as Anant Singh’s criminal image can be harmful to the party.
Increasing conflict over ticket distribution
Neeraj Kumar himself is also claiming to contest from Mokama this time. Both Anant Singh and Neeraj Kumar are strong contenders, due to which the controversy over the ticket within the party has heated up. Anant Singh has not yet officially joined JDU, but he is presenting himself as a key candidate for the Mokama seat, describing himself as the leader of the NDA.
His wife Neelam Devi won the RJD ticket in the last by -election, but later rebelled from RJD and started supporting the Nitish government. Anant Singh’s closeness with NDA has also increased after release from jail.
Results will come out of the conference
The NDA worker conference to be held on 16 September will not only be an organizational program, but it will be decisive for JDU as to who should be made a candidate from Mokama. It will also be clear from this whether Anant Singh will be formally included in the party. This arrogance going on inside the party is further complicating the politics of Mokama region and the entire Bihar can affect the electoral atmosphere. There will be time for political organizations and leader-activists to make exams and strategies to come for a few days to come.