JDU Rift: Lalan Singh Missing From Party’s Official Victory Poster

A political controversy has emerged within Bihar’s Janata Dal (United) after a congratulatory poster shared on the party’s official X account celebrating Neeraj Kumar’s victory reportedly omitted the photograph of Union Minister and former JDU president Lalan Singh. The poster featured Nitish Kumar, Sanjay Jha, Nishant and other NDA leaders, but Lalan Singh’s absence has fuelled speculation about growing tensions within the party. According to the report, the controversy follows a dispute involving Neeraj Kumar and strongman MLA Anant Singh during the MLC elections. Anant Singh had reportedly supported a rival candidate and subsequently faced disciplinary action, including expulsion from the party. JDU also sought action concerning his legislative membership. Anant Singh is considered close to Lalan Singh, who had previously been asked to help resolve the dispute between the two leaders. Lalan Singh reportedly commented on earlier disagreements surrounding Anant Singh’s electoral candidature, prompting Neeraj Kumar to openly criticise him after his victory. The omission of Lalan Singh’s photograph from the official congratulatory poster has now raised questions about whether internal divisions are deepening and whether the senior leader is being sidelined. However, the poster alone does not establish that the party has formally taken action against Lalan Singh.