Anand Mohan attacks JD(U) leadership even as son gets deputy minister post in Bihar
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Former Member of Parliament and influential Bihar strongman Anand Mohan has renewed his public offensive against the Janata Dal (United) leadership in Patna, even as the Bihar government accorded Deputy Minister status to his son, Chetan Anand, a JD(U) MLA. The remarks, made to reporters on 28 May, have deepened speculation about a potential political rupture within the ruling alliance.
Anand Mohan's Core Allegations
Anand Mohan doubled down on his earlier charge of 'thaili ki rajneeti' — roughly translated as bribe-based politics — alleging that influential figures within JD(U) distribute party positions and ministerial berths on the basis of favouritism and monetary influence. He dismissed critics sharply, saying, 'I do not deem it necessary to respond to every barking dog.'
He also insisted on his credibility, stating, 'I speak with deliberation and forethought. I stand by every statement I make.' He accused sections of the media of selectively presenting his remarks.
Son's Appointment and the Sting of a Junior Title
Political observers believe Anand Mohan's discontent stems partly from Chetan Anand receiving only a Deputy Minister designation rather than a full Cabinet berth. Anand Mohan made little effort to conceal his disdain for the rank, saying, 'I have already stated that a Deputy Chief Minister is merely a silent Chief Minister. What then is a Deputy Minister?'
The remark is widely read as a pointed signal that he considers the appointment inadequate recognition for his family's political capital in the Mithilanchal region.
New Party Speculation and Cryptic Warnings
When pressed on whether he intends to float a new political outfit, Anand Mohan was deliberately evasive, saying, 'Let the time come, and I shall tell you. Why should I reveal right now what lies within my heart?' The non-denial has fuelled speculation about a possible political realignment or an open rebellion within JD(U).
He also claimed that certain leaders inside the party have eroded the legacy of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, stating, 'Let those dishonest individuals — who have undone the lifelong penance and hard work of Nitish Kumar — be the ones to quit the JD(U).' Without naming anyone, he hinted that individuals allegedly given election tickets before formally joining the party now wield disproportionate influence within the organisation.
Who Is Anand Mohan
Anand Mohan is one of Bihar's most prominent and controversial political figures, with a strong base in the Mithilanchal belt. He was convicted in the 1994 murder case of Gopalganj District Magistrate G. Krishnaiah and served a life sentence before being released in 2023. His wife, Lovely Anand, is a sitting Member of Parliament, and his son Chetan Anand represents JD(U) in the Bihar assembly.
Political circles have long noted his strained ties with senior JD(U) figures, reportedly including Rajiv Ranjan Singh alias Lalan Singh and Sanjay Jha. Whether his current broadsides translate into organisational action remains the central question Bihar's political watchers are tracking.