Patna, Oct 15 (NationPress) In a striking turn of events within Bihar's ruling Janata Dal (United) as the 2025 Assembly elections approach, vocal Gopalpur MLA Gopal Mandal has declared his intention to run as an independent candidate after being abruptly denied a party ticket.

The party is now relying on newcomer Bullu Mandal to maintain the Bhagalpur district stronghold, deepening divisions within Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's faction as the NDA finalizes its seat-sharing agreement.

Gopal Mandal, a four-term legislator recognized for his candid remarks and prior controversies—including a notorious incident where he paraded in his undergarments on a train—demanded attention with a dramatic sit-in outside Kumar's residence on Tuesday.

After hours of refusing to move, he was escorted away by police amid increased security. In an exclusive interview with IANS after the protest, Mandal expressed his frustration, claiming the ticket was "in my pocket" until senior JD(U) figures "hijacked" Kumar's decision in favor of upper-caste loyalists.

"I will contest the election as an independent. I will seek the nomination after consulting a pundit," Mandal asserted, dismissing any party attempts to reconcile.

"I'm somewhat of a braggart; I speak my mind openly. Now, only upper-caste individuals are in Kumar's circle; no backward-caste individuals remain with him." In a shocking admission, the fiery MLA revealed he carries "pistols and rifles" for personal protection, highlighting the volatile nature of Bihar's political arena.

"If Nitish Kumar were present, he would clarify why it was denied. I'm not in competition with anyone; I'm confident in my victory."

This outburst follows the NDA's recent announcement on Sunday, allocating 101 seats each to JD(U) and BJP, while LJP(RV) received 29. Gopalpur, a crucial backward-caste stronghold, is now part of this high-stakes negotiation, where Mandal’s removal indicates a strategic shift towards fresh candidates like Bullu Mandal, seen as a safer option against anti-incumbency.

Mandal's declaration reflects broader dissatisfaction; JD(U) MP Ajay Kumar Mandal also submitted a resignation letter to Kumar, expressing disappointment over his exclusion from ticket discussions in the Bhagalpur Lok Sabha areas.

"Unfortunately, I wasn't consulted," he wrote, underscoring feelings of neglect among long-serving backward-caste leaders. Despite the turmoil, JD(U) working president Sanjay Kumar Jha dismissed the situation as opposition-fueled "rumors," asserting that Kumar was "completely satisfied" and the NDA remains united.

An offer from the RJD was tempting for Mandal, yet he declined it: "I still have faith in Nitish Kumar." However, his remarks reveal a lingering loyalty tinged with betrayal, as he contemplates a solo campaign that could fracture votes and embarrass the NDA in the elections scheduled for November 6-11.

Experts caution that this situation could lay bare fractures in Kumar's backward-caste support, particularly after his third alliance switch in a decade. Armed with bravado and local influence, Gopalpur is set to become a focal point in Bihar's fiercely contested electoral landscape, where personal grievances threaten to disrupt grand strategies.