JD(U)'s Neeraj Kumar Wins Patna Graduate MLC Seat

Neeraj Kumar of the Janata Dal (United) has won the Patna Graduate MLC seat, and in his first remarks after the result he pointed to a '3 N' formula that he says shaped his campaign. Speaking to journalists, he argued that the formula helped reverse the electoral mood in his favour despite strong resistance.

In his remarks, Kumar explained the formula in simple terms. He said the first 'N' stands for Nitish Kumar, the second for Nishant Kumar and the third for Neeraj Kumar. He added that his serial number on the ballot paper was also third, which he described as a sign that everything had aligned correctly.

He credited Nishant Kumar, the son of Nitish Kumar and a minister in the Bihar government, for supporting him and helping create public support for his candidacy.

The contest was a difficult one. Kumar faced a serious challenge from Anuj Singh, the Jan Suraaj candidate who was backed by Mokama MLA Anant Singh. Despite the challenge, Anuj Singh finished third.

Anant Singh had vowed to defeat Neeraj Kumar and openly supported and campaigned for the Jan Suraaj candidate. He was subsequently expelled from the JD(U).

Neeraj Kumar's emphasis on the 'N' factor is consistent with his earlier comments. After filing his nomination this month, he had called Nitish Kumar the power centre of the JD(U) and said his victory would depend on the chief minister's blessings. He had also dismissed any suggestion that Anant Singh could pose a real threat in the MLC election.

The result enhances Neeraj Kumar's political stature in Bihar. For Anant Singh, the Mokama strongman, it is a notable setback, as the candidate he backed slipped to third place.

Earlier in the day, the newly elected MLC had also taken a jibe at a rebel MLA. Speaking from inside his car after the win, he used the local Magahi dialect to say, "Kahan hai re Gunjan, le ja mithaiya," which set the gathered crowd cheering.