Both Anant Singh and Neeraj Kumar hail from Mokama and have a longstanding rivalry.
Initially, the JD(U) tried to mediate between the two leaders. Union Minister and JD(U) MP from Munger, Rajiv Ranjan Singh, popularly known as Lalan Singh, was asked to resolve the issue. However, Lalan Singh justified Anant Singh’s actions, saying Neeraj Kumar had tried to defeat Anant Singh in the past. He described Anant Singh’s current actions as a counter-reaction to that incident. Anant Singh extended his support to Jan Suraaj candidate Anuj Singh and openly campaigned for him. With polling concluding on Friday, the JD(U) decided to act against Anant Singh over his repeated statements against the party. JD(U) state president Umesh Kushwaha announced the action on Saturday, citing repeated violations of party directives, alleged derogatory remarks against the party’s senior leadership, and Anant Singh’s decision to oppose the party’s candidate in the Patna Graduate Constituency election and campaign in support of a candidate associated with Jan Suraaj. The party has separately revoked the primary membership of Anant Singh’s wife, Neelam Devi, and expelled her for six years over her alleged involvement in anti-party activities.
