Bihar MLC polls: JD(U) faces dissent; RLM to back own candidate

Three of the four MLAs of the Rashtriya Lok Morcha (RLM) — a ruling NDA ally in Bihar — have decided to support their party’s own candidate, Ram Pukar Sinha, in the Saran Teachers constituency for the upcoming Legislative Council election, instead of the JD(U)’s candidate Anand Pushkar.

One of the rebel MLAs, Anand Madhav, said the decision was taken out of “respect” for party workers. He asserted that the MLAs would remain with the NDA. The fourth RLM MLA, Snehlata Kushwaha, is the wife of RLM chief and Rajya Sabha member Upendra Kushwaha.

Former Bihar Chief Minister and JD(U) chief Nitish Kumar is currently meeting party MP from Munger and Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh alias Lalan Singh, apparently in a bid to make a final attempt to resolve the differences between party MLA Anant Singh and MLC Neeraj Kumar. Mr. Anant Singh, who is considered close to Mr. Lalan Singh, may take a final decision on ending the rift, failing which the party could take action against him. Mr. Anant Singh has announced his support for Opposition Jan Suraaj Party candidate Anuj Kumar Singh.

Mr. Lalan Singh is scheduled to leave for Delhi on Monday (October 5, 2026) afternoon.

Mr. Neeraj Kumar, the JD(U)’s candidate from the Patna Graduate constituency, is considered close to Mr. Nitish Kumar, who recently gave his approval to his candidature for the upcoming Legislative Council election. Mr. Neeraj Kumar, meanwhile, left his residence on Monday to file his nomination papers.

Elections for eight seats in the Bihar Legislative Council — that are falling vacant on November 16 — are scheduled for October 23. The BJP and JD(U) have fielded candidates for four seats each. The other ruling NDA allies — Rashtriya Lok Morcha (RLM), Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular) and Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) — have announced their support for NDA candidates.

October 6 is the last date for filing nominations. Some BJP candidates, including Nawal Kishore Yadav from the Patna Teachers constituency, are also scheduled to file their nomination papers on Monday, October 5.