Patna: A political confrontation has intensified in Bihar after former MP Anand Mohan accused the Janata Dal (United) of practising “money-bag politics” and alleged that Nitish Kumar was being constrained by political compulsions.
The remarks triggered strong reactions from JD(U) leaders, who defended the party leadership and questioned Anand Mohan’s criticism despite his family’s continued political association with the party.
JD(U) Responds Sharply
JD(U) spokesperson Nihora Yadav said Anand Mohan himself had acknowledged that he was not a member of the party. However, Yadav added that Anand Mohan should not overlook the role played by Nitish Kumar in his political journey.
“He should remember that without Nitish Kumar, he might still have remained in jail,” Yadav said while rejecting the allegations against the party.
He further stated that attempts to weaken the JD(U) through such statements would not succeed and suggested that Anand Mohan should acknowledge the political opportunities extended to his family.
Reference to Family’s Political Positions
The JD(U) leadership pointed out that Anand Mohan’s wife, Lovely Anand, is currently a Member of Parliament from the party, while his son, Chetan Anand, serves as a legislator.
Nihora Yadav said the party had supported both leaders in securing electoral positions and questioned why Anand Mohan was criticising the organisation now.
“He considered the party good when his family members received political opportunities. Now, because he himself did not receive a desired political role, he is raising questions,” Yadav said.
The spokesperson added that the JD(U) remained committed to inclusive politics and public welfare.
Neeraj Kumar Rejects Allegations
Another JD(U) spokesperson, Neeraj Kumar, also dismissed the allegations of “money-bag politics”.
He said no individual in the party could secure candidature or political office solely through financial influence, whether for the Legislative Council, Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha or State Assembly.
“This is the defining feature of the JD(U). No one can cite an example where money alone determined political elevation within the party,” Kumar said.
Development Politics at Centre of Defence
Neeraj Kumar further credited Nitish Kumar for Bihar’s infrastructure and social development initiatives. He said improvements in roads, electricity supply and educational infrastructure across villages reflected the chief minister’s governance model.
He added that Nitish Kumar continued to command political relevance across both supporters and opponents.
JD(U) leaders maintained that the allegations levelled against the party were baseless and asserted that attempts to undermine Bihar’s development narrative would be resisted politically.
