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

Former Bihar Chief Minister and JD(U) leader Nitish Kumar. Image used for representative purpose only. | Photo Credit: SUSHIL KUMAR VERMA

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.

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.