Patna: Three of the four MLAs of Upendra Kushwaha-led RLM skipped the NDA legislature party meeting at the CM’s residence on Friday to discuss the Bihar legislative council elections, fuelling speculation of dissent within the ruling alliance.The absent MLAs were Madhav Anand, Alok Kumar Singh and Rameshwar Mahto, who are said to be unhappy with Kushwaha. They have backed Independent candidate Rampukar Sinha from the Saran Teachers’ constituency against the NDA’s official candidate, Anand Pushkar of JD(U).A BJP functionary said a meeting of senior NDA representatives chaired by CM Samrat Choudhary two days ago had decided to contest the Council elections unitedly. Parties facing internal dissent were asked to resolve differences, with Kushwaha tasked with addressing the RLM rebellion.The NDA also faced embarrassment when JD(U) MLA Anant Singh said he would support Jan Suraaj candidate Anuj Singh in the Patna Graduates’ constituency. Four days ago, following Union minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh alias Lalan Singh’s intervention, Anant had assured the party he would not publicly oppose JD(U) candidate Neeraj Kumar. However, he has openly sought votes for Anuj, campaigning in Naubatpur and Bihta on Thursday and urging voters to ensure other candidates forfeited their deposits.Bihar BJP president Sanjay Saraogi maintained the NDA remained united for the eight council seats, with JD(U) and BJP fielding four candidates each. He said Friday’s meeting discussed political and organisational matters.Senior JD(U) neta and Bihar minister Shravan Kumar warned that legislators campaigning against the party line or the NDA would face action.
