Factionalism deepens in JD(U) amid succession debate and Anand Mohan’s attack

For long, political observers have been deliberating over the future of the Janata Dal (United) after Nitish Kumar. However, few would have imagined that the party would appear to be in turmoil within a month of Nitish Kumar’s departure from active politics.

While a section of Nitish Kumar’s trusted aides has been trying to establish Nishant Kumar as the JD(U) founder’s political heir, one of his closest confidants, Lalan Singh declared BJP leader and Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary as Nitish Kumar’s political successor.

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Even as political circles were still grappling with the implications of that statement, former MP and strongman leader Anand Mohan Singh launched a scathing attack on the top leadership of his own party, saying Nitish Kumar had been politically “buried alive”.

These statements have triggered major political turmoil in Bihar’s political circles.

During a programme held in Sitamarhi on Sunday, Anand Mohan alleged that Nitish Kumar had been politically “buried alive” by selfish and powerful leaders within the system. He claimed that Nitish Kumar’s compulsions and health condition had been misused.

Anand Mohan hinted that the move to sideline Nitish Kumar from active politics in Bihar was part of a larger political conspiracy.

He also alleged corruption within the party, accusing the top leadership of being influenced by money power. In a sarcastic remark, he said loyal and hardworking party workers were being completely ignored. He stated bluntly, “Only those who deliver bags of money will become ministers in the government.”

Anand Mohan’s remarks have brought the dissatisfaction among old and loyal party leaders into the open.

According to some political analysts, Anand Mohan’s anger erupted because his son and JD(U) MLA, Chetan Anand, was not given a ministerial berth in the latest Bihar cabinet expansion.

However, several others link the developments to growing factionalism within the JD(U), especially after senior JD(U) leader and Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan alias Lalan Singh’s controversial statement regarding Nitish Kumar’s political succession.

Addressing a public gathering in Lakhisarai district on Saturday, Lalan Singh declared that Samrat Choudhary was the true political successor to Nitish Kumar.

“When Nitish Kumar decided to step down as Chief Minister of Bihar, he himself chose his political successor. Nitish ji handed over his political legacy to Samrat Choudhary,” Lalan Singh said.

Lalan Singh’s statement has created a stir in Bihar politics, as it is being directly linked to Nitish Kumar and his son, Nishant Kumar.

The statement is considered particularly significant as it came from one of the top leaders of the JD(U). It is being viewed as a clear indication of the future direction of the party’s politics in Bihar, a development that may not only deepen factionalism within the JD(U) but also raise questions about the political future of leaders aligned with rival camps within the party.

Supporters of Nishant Kumar’s projected leadership appear increasingly anxious. This was evident on Monday when the party’s chief spokesperson and MLC, Niraj Kumar, along with other leaders, held a press conference and asserted that the JD(U) stood firmly behind Nishant Kumar.