Patna: The public spat between Mokama JD(U) MLA Anant Kumar Singh and party MLC and chief state spokesperson Neeraj Kumar over the Patna graduate constituency intensified on Saturday, with both trading allegations and Union minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh alias Lalan Singh denying that the developments reflected factionalism in the party.Reacting to Anant’s remarks against him, Neeraj alleged that the Mokama MLA had opposed health minister Nishant Kumar, son of JD(U) national president Nitish Kumar. He also alleged that Anant had made “unsavoury” remarks against Nitish in the past. “Despite that, the party had fielded him (Anant) from Mokama,” Neeraj said.Neeraj is seeking another term from the Patna graduate constituency, while Anant has for around a week been publicly opposing his candidature and saying he would work for his defeat. Anant has also announced his support for one Anuj Singh. He has alleged that Neeraj worked against him both politically and in police cases.On Friday, Anant was present at the JD(U) headquarters ahead of an orientation programme for MLAs and MLCs on legislative business, but did not participate in the programme. He later spoke to reporters and criticised Neeraj. Neeraj subsequently responded to the allegations.The exchanges came amid speculation about differences within the JD(U), particularly over the Patna graduate constituency election. However, Lalan Singh on Saturday denied any factionalism or group loyalties in the party.“There is no difference in the party. The party is totally united. Since the formation of Samata Party by Nitish Kumar in 1994, the party is practising internal democracy, exchange of opinions and mutual consultations,” Lalan Singh told reporters at Patna airport.Explaining his absence from Friday’s orientation programme, Lalan said he was not aware of the event and had a pre-scheduled programme in Gujarat. He said a few MLAs and Nishant had called him and that he had also spoken to JD(U) national working president Sanjay Kumar Jha on the phone before the event. He declined to comment on the Anant-Neeraj dispute.Meanwhile, Neeraj on Saturday met voters and people from Phulwari assembly constituency at the official residence of party general secretary and Phulwari MLA Shyam Rajak as part of his campaign for the Patna graduate constituency.The JD(U) has not yet formally announced its candidate for the Patna graduate constituency. Neeraj, however, is seeking another term from the seat, while Anant has said he will support Anuj Singh.
