Patna: JD(U) national president Nitish Kumar visited party candidate Neeraj Kumar at his residence in Rajvanshi Nagar, Patna, on Thursday to enquire about his health and wish him success ahead of the Bihar Legislative Council elections.
The visit came amid a public disagreement between Neeraj Kumar and Mokama MLA Anant Singh, who is supporting Anuj Singh, Neeraj’s rival in the Patna Graduates’ constituency.
Nitish met Neeraj on Thursday afternoon, enquired about his well-being and wished him a speedy recovery. He also asked about the health of Neeraj’s family members and advised him to plan his election strategy in accordance with his doctors’ recommendations.
The JD(U) chief offered his blessings for Neeraj’s victory.
Anant Singh Backs Neeraj’s Rival
Anant Singh has openly opposed Neeraj Kumar and is campaigning for Anuj Singh in the Patna Graduates’ constituency.
The Mokama MLA has said that Neeraj opposed him during the Assembly elections, prompting him to oppose Neeraj in the Legislative Council polls. Anant has also stated that he intends to remain in the JD(U) but will work to ensure Neeraj’s defeat.
Two days before Nitish’s visit, Anant had claimed that the JD(U) chief had nothing to do with the Legislative Council elections and was aligned with neither him nor Neeraj.
Neeraj and Anant have exchanged critical remarks in recent days over the contest.
Nitish Reviews Preparations For Eight Seats
Earlier on Thursday, Nitish Kumar reviewed the party’s election preparations at his residential office at 7 Circular Road in Patna.
The meeting was attended by JD(U) state president Umesh Singh Kushwaha, Legislative Council deputy leader Lalan Saraf and chief whip Sanjay Gandhi.
Nitish sought updates on preparations across all eight Legislative Council seats being contested in the graduate and teacher constituencies.
He subsequently visited the JD(U) state office, where he reviewed the arrangements with the team overseeing the elections and party office-bearers. He also issued directions to state-level leaders and discussed the campaign with the party’s national election officer, former MP Anil Prasad Hegde.
Nitish expressed confidence that NDA candidates would win all eight seats.
Polling On Friday, Counting On October 27
Voting for eight Bihar Legislative Council seats, including the Patna Graduates’ constituency, is scheduled for Friday. More than five lakh voters across the graduate and teacher constituencies are expected to cast their ballots.
The counting of votes will take place on October 27.
