JD(U) Bihar chief denies factionalism within party

Amid a raging controversy over simmering differences between two ruling Janata Dal (United) (JD(U)) legislators, the party’s Bihar president Umesh Kushwaha on Monday (September 21, 2026) said there were “no differences between them”, nor any rift within “as the party keeps an eye over such developments”.

The remarks came days after reports emerged of barbs being traded by the party’s bahubali (strongman) MLA from Mokama Assembly constituency Anant Singh alias ‘Chhote Sarkar’ (’mini government’) and the party’s four-time MLC from the Patna Graduate constituency Neeraj Kumar Singh.

“There is no rift in the party nor are there any differences between the party legislators. The party has been keeping an eye over such developments. No party leader can make comments that will hurt the prestige of the party,” Mr. Kushwaha told media persons in Patna on Monday (September 21, 2026).