Patna: Former MP Anand Mohan has triggered a political storm in Bihar after launching a sharp attack on the Janata Dal (United) leadership, accusing party insiders of weakening Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s political standing and turning the party into a “marketplace for ministerial posts”. The remarks drew immediate backlash from JD(U) functionaries, who alleged that Anand’s outburst was driven by frustration over his son not being inducted into the ministry. The controversy comes barely a month after the Bharatiya Janata Party assumed a dominant role in Bihar politics following Nitish Kumar’s move to the Rajya Sabha.
Anand's Allegations
Anand, whose release from jail became possible after amendments to the Bihar Prison Manual during the Grand Alliance government led by Nitish Kumar, currently has family members in both the Lok Sabha and Bihar assembly. His wife Lovely Anand represents Sheohar in the Lok Sabha, while his son Chetan Anand is an MLA from Nabinagar on a JD(U) ticket. In a viral video recorded during a function in Sitamarhi, Anand accused senior JD(U) leaders of distributing election tickets and ministerial positions in exchange for money. “Tickets were sold and ministerial posts were distributed in Bihar after taking crores of rupees,” Anand said. He also accused leaders who criticise dynastic politics of promoting their own family members and claimed “four persons” were responsible for damaging the party. “These people have put a big question mark over the existence of JD(U),” he alleged.
JD(U) Rebuttal
Rejecting the allegations, JD(U) chief spokesperson Neeraj Kumar said Anand’s claims were baseless. “His wife and son were given the sitting seats of BJP leaders, yet he is making baseless allegations,” Neeraj said. JD(U) MLC Sanjay Singh alleged Anand had become “blinded” by affection for his son and challenged his family members to resign and contest fresh elections to test their political strength. Sources in JD(U) claimed Anand was upset because his son was denied a ministerial berth despite supporting the National Democratic Alliance government after rebelling against Rashtriya Janata Dal leader Tejashwi Prasad Yadav in January 2024.
Political Context
The controversy highlights the simmering tensions within the JD(U) as it navigates a new power equation with the BJP. Anand, once a close associate of Nitish Kumar, has emerged as a vocal critic, raising questions about internal democracy and transparency in the party. The episode also underscores the challenges faced by regional parties in managing coalition dynamics and family-based politics.
