Patna: The Janata Dal (United) made a significant and sudden alteration to its roster for the Bihar Assembly elections late Saturday evening, just after having announced its full list of candidates.
According to Sanjay Kumar Sinha, JD (U)’s office secretary, the party cancelled the ticket previously awarded to Saba Zafar for the Amour constituency in Purnia. Her replacement is Sabir Ali, a known political figure who only hours earlier had returned to the JD (U) fold.
Ali’s Political Trajectory: Back to the JD (U)
The decision to field Sabir Ali carries considerable political weight due to his history and regional influence. A resident of Raxaul, Ali has been active in Bihar politics for two decades, notably serving as a JD (U) Rajya Sabha MP from 2008 to 2014.
However, Ali’s political journey has been marked by defection. Following his initial term with the JD (U), he expressed dissatisfaction and briefly joined the Lok Janshakti Party (LJP), followed by a switch to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Ali is considered to hold a strong influence over the Muslim vote bank in the Seemanchal area, making his induction and immediate nomination a key strategic move for the JD (U).
‘I Am Back Home Again’
Ali formalized his return to the party on Saturday at the residence of senior JD (U) leader Leshi Singh. Speaking to the media shortly after, Ali framed his move as a heartfelt homecoming and a restoration of his political loyalty to Chief Minister Nitish Kumar.
“I rejoined JD (U) because of the thinking of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. Nitish Kumar is my guardian. He was the one who made me a Rajya Sabha member from 2008 to 2014,” Ali stated, explaining his decision. “I left the party for some reason, but my heart and soul always beat for the JD (U) under Nitish Kumar’s leadership. I am back home again. I will fulfill whatever responsibility the party gives me.”
Leshi Singh welcomed the leader back, emphasizing that the former Rajya Sabha MP’s return was a significant boost for the party’s campaign efforts.
