Bihar: NDA meeting ends without breakthrough; Anant Singh backs Jan Suraaj candidate

Patna, Oct 9 (IANS) A high-level NDA meeting chaired by Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary at his official residence in Patna concluded without any resolution to the dispute involving Mokama MLA Anant Singh and JD(U) leader Neeraj Kumar over the upcoming Legislative Council elections.

NDA MLAs and MPs attended the meeting, which was expected to address differences within the alliance ahead of the polls.

However, after the meeting, Anant Singh reiterated his support for Jan Suraaj candidate Anuj Singh.

Speaking to reporters outside the Chief Minister's residence, Anant Singh said the discussions focused on work and the responsibilities of leaders, adding that the election was not discussed.

He maintained that his position remained unchanged and that he would support Anuj Singh.

JD(U) Minister Jama Khan, who attended the meeting, played down reports of differences within the alliance.

He said party members were like family and stressed the importance of contesting the elections together.

"There is no resentment within the party. We are like a family, and occasional differences are normal," Khan said, adding that the NDA remained united and was confident of winning all eight seats.

Avoiding a direct comment on the Anant Singh-Neeraj Kumar dispute, Khan asserted that the alliance's candidates would win and that party workers were standing behind them.

He also described Anant Singh as a brother and said there was no need to persuade him.

Meanwhile, when Anant Singh's name came up, Naval Kishore Yadav reacted sharply, dismissing his remarks.

Anant Singh, the JD(U) MLA from Mokama, has publicly declared his support for Jan Suraaj candidate Anuj Singh and vowed to work for his victory.

His position has drawn attention amid the NDA's efforts to maintain coordination among its constituent parties during the Legislative Council election campaign.

The reported differences involving Anant Singh and Neeraj Kumar have emerged as a point of discussion as the alliance prepares for the polls.

Elections are being held for eight Bihar Legislative Council seats, four under the teachers' constituency quota and four under the graduates' constituency quota.

Polling is scheduled for October 23, while counting of votes will take place on October 27.

The NDA has maintained that it is united and expects to win all eight seats.

--IANS

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