Patna: A case has been filed against Gopal Mandal, JD(U) MLA from Gopalpur in Bhagalpur district, and former MLA Maheshwar Prasad Yadav of Gaighat in Muzaffarpur, after the two staged a sit-in in a restricted area near the Patna Secretariat.
City SP Central Diksha confirmed that the First Information Report (FIR) was lodged following a magistrate’s complaint, and investigations are ongoing. Sources said Mandal staged the protest fearing the cancellation of his party ticket ahead of upcoming elections, while Yadav reportedly accompanied him, insisting he would not leave without meeting Chief Minister Nitish Kumar.
Police and security personnel arrived at the scene in the afternoon to prevent disruption. Despite repeated attempts to persuade the leaders to leave, they refused, prompting authorities to remove them from the VIP area. Reports of Mandal’s arrest circulated briefly, but senior officials denied any detention.
The incident comes amid rising dissent within the JD(U). On Tuesday, Bhagalpur MP Ajay Mandal publicly criticised the party over ticket denials and alleged neglect of local leaders. He submitted a two-page letter to Chief Minister Kumar seeking permission to resign and accused the party of favouring outsiders in candidate selection.
The developments highlight growing internal unrest within the ruling party as the state prepares for forthcoming elections.
