Patna: The high-stakes electoral battle for the Patna Sahib assembly seat took a decisive turn on Monday with the withdrawal of the independent candidacy of Shishir Kumar. The move, made under the direct instruction of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) central command, is seen as a major victory for party unity and consolidation ahead of the elections.
Shishir Kumar, a former active BJP member, had filed his nomination as an independent candidate after being disgruntled over the party’s decision to deny him the ticket, which ultimately went to Ratnesh Kushwaha. His challenge was widely viewed as complicating the BJP’s electoral equation in the crucial constituency.
Direct Instruction from the Top
The resolution came directly from the highest levels of the party. Speaking to reporters after withdrawing his nomination, Shishir Kumar cited the intervention of the party’s senior-most figures.
“My guardians—Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and Union Minister Nityanand Rai—urged me to work in support of the BJP candidate,” Shishir stated. “Following their instructions, I withdrew my nomination and will now campaign for Ratnesh Kushwaha.”
The public display of unity was finalized at the Patna City Subdivision Office, where Shishir Kumar accompanied the official BJP candidate, Ratnesh Kushwaha, to formalize the withdrawal and announce his support. The scene was quickly framed by the BJP leadership as a symbol of political maturity and party discipline.
However, the former candidate also laced his statement with lingering discontent, accusing some unnamed senior party leaders of acting with a “broker mentality.” This accusation suggests that while the issue of rebellion has been resolved by central command, internal tensions within the state unit may persist.
