CONGRESS WIPED OUT, JAN SURAJ MAKES ITS MARK: DEVANAND SINGH

CONGRESS WIPED OUT, JAN SURAJ MAKES ITS MARK: DEVANAND SINGH

29-OCT-ENG 13

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

ARA-------------------------The results for eight seats in the Bihar Legislative Council have set the stage for new political equations in the state. With the BJP winning three seats, the RJD opening its account, Jan Suraaj making its presence felt in Darbhanga, and the Congress ending up with zero, these results carry a distinct message for every party. However, the most intriguing development has emerged from the political contest between Mokama’s ‘Chhote Sarkar’ (Anant Singh) and JD(U) leader Neeraj Kumar.

Anant Singh had extended his support to a Bhumihar candidate backed by Jan Suraaj, but Neeraj Kumar secured a victory, delivering a political riposte to his detractors. Following the results, Anant Singh explicitly stated that he holds no grievance against the party itself; rather, his displeasure is directed specifically at Neeraj Kumar. This remark underscores the unique, complex dynamics of friendship, enmity, and party loyalty within Bihar’s political landscape. Anant Singh’s assertion—that he would only speak if Neeraj Kumar speaks, and otherwise remain silent—suggests that this political friction is likely to persist in the coming days.

Neeraj Kumar’s victory is particularly significant because it defied several predictions based on caste-based calculations. Despite the potential for a split in Bhumihar and Kurmi votes, his win demonstrates that elections are not won solely through caste-based mobilization; organizational strength, personal outreach, and the trust of the electorate are equally vital. That said, it would be inaccurate to attribute this victory to the voting pattern of any single caste group.

Meanwhile, Prashant Kishor’s ‘Jan Suraaj’ has signaled its arrival in Bihar politics by securing a win in Darbhanga. While it would be premature to label this a state-wide political shift, the success has certainly compelled established parties to re-evaluate their strategies. For the RJD, opening its account comes as a relief, whereas the Congress has fared the worst—failing to retain its own incumbent seat, which raises serious questions about the party’s organization and leadership. Amidst Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s jibes at the Congress and the party’s subsequent retort, the real question remains: how will the opposition regain its credibility among the public? While the victory is a morale booster for the BJP, the success of the ‘Jan Suraj’ movement and the wins of independent candidates demonstrate that voters are not always confined to established political camps.

The conclusion is clear—in Bihar’s politics, there are no permanent strongmen, no invincible political equations, and no party’s victory is ever guaranteed. The discontent of ‘Chhote Sarkar’ (a local political figure), the victory of Neeraj Kumar, and the emergence of Prashant Kishor—each carries its own significance. It remains to be seen whether these results will remain confined to the Legislative Council, or if they will give rise to new conflicts and alliances within the arena of Legislative Assembly politics.