PATNA – In the midst of swirling rumors regarding JD(U) national president Rajiv Ranjan, also known as Lalan Singh, resigning from his party post, Singh has categorically denied such claims, labeling them as ‘Faltu Khabar’ (nonsense).
Reports surfaced three days before the central committee meetings of JD(U), slated for December 29 in Delhi, suggesting that Singh had submitted his resignation, pending acceptance from party president and chief minister Nitish Kumar.
Dismissing the speculation, Singh challenged the authenticity of the news, stating, “Does anyone have a copy of my resignation letter? From where did they come to know things that I even don’t know. This is absolute nonsense,” in an interview with News 18 channel.
Amidst the backdrop of the opposition INDIA bloc gearing up for crucial seat-sharing negotiations for the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, rumors of a potential rift between Nitish Kumar and his close aide, Lalan Singh, have intensified over the past week. The central committee meeting on December 29 adds fuel to the speculations, suggesting possible friction within Bihar’s ruling JD(U).
Senior leaders close to Nitish Kumar dismissed rumors of a “rift,” asserting that they are the “closest” friends. A senior JD(U) leader, speaking anonymously, mentioned, “We are expecting some shake-ups in the party structure, and we may also see a new strategy adopted before the crucial election. However, the central committee meetings are not about national president Lalan Singh. None of them has ever mentioned such things to us. Everyone is only making conjectures.”
Party leaders expressed surprise at the attitude of other INDIA coalition members. “Our primary goal is to defeat BJP, and Nitish Kumar has contributed the most to this goal. However, we expected a respectful position and political recognition for him in the alliance, which did not happen. He has been a prime mover for the alliance, along with Lalu ji, playing a crucial role in coordinating all stakeholders,” remarked an unnamed party leader.
