Sanjay Jha backs Lalan Singh, hits out at Congress over Nov 1 rally
Synopsis
JD(U) National Working President Sanjay Kumar Jha moved quickly on Friday to contain fallout from Neeraj Kumar's pointed snub of Lalan Singh, while simultaneously going on the offensive against the Congress over its Ramlila Ground rally and announcing a new protest campaign on the Farakka Treaty. The multi-front political messaging signals a JD(U) keen to project unity — and dominance — heading into November.
Key Takeaways
Sanjay Kumar Jha described Lalan Singh as a 'senior and respected leader' after Neeraj Kumar publicly refused to seek his blessings following the Patna Graduate MLC poll win.
JD(U) announced a Farakka Treaty protest campaign beginning 2 November across four districts, with Chief Minister Nitish Kumar reportedly set to participate.
Jha attacked the Congress over its 1 November Ramlila Ground rally , accusing the party of rejecting democratic verdicts only when it loses.
Jha questioned genuine unity within the INDIA Bloc , pointing to the Congress' difficulties in Karnataka and the Bihar MLC results.
A JD(U) organisational review meeting is scheduled for 5 November to assess MLC election performance and strengthen the party structure.
A workers' convention in Uttar Pradesh on 1 November may clarify the party's position on contesting elections in the state.
Janata Dal (United) National Working President Sanjay Kumar Jha on Friday, 30 October, addressed a range of political matters in Patna, defending Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh alias Lalan Singh amid internal party tensions, sounding off on the Farakka Treaty, and targeting the Congress over its proposed Ramlila Ground rally on 1 November in New Delhi.
Jha Backs Lalan Singh Amid Internal Friction
The remarks came a day after Neeraj Kumar, fresh from his victory in the Patna Graduate MLC poll, publicly declared on Thursday that he would not seek Lalan Singh's blessings — a statement widely read as a sign of internal discord within the JD(U).
Jha sought to play down the episode, describing Lalan Singh as a 'senior and respected leader who had made significant contributions to building and strengthening the party.' He added, 'Minor ups and downs are part of any party, but we respect everyone,' signalling that the leadership views the dispute as manageable rather than structural.
Farakka Treaty: JD(U) Promises Protest Campaign
Speaking at a seminar organised by the Water Resources Department, Jha reiterated the JD(U)'s long-standing position that the Farakka Treaty has worked against Bihar's interests. He stated that the state 'would not tolerate injustice on the issue' and announced that a protest campaign would be launched from 2 November across the four remaining districts. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is reportedly expected to participate in the campaign. The party also plans to organise a marathon to build public awareness on the treaty's impact on Bihar.
Congress Rally Targeted; INDIA Bloc Unity Questioned
Taking direct aim at the Indian National Congress over its planned rally at Ramlila Ground, New Delhi on 1 November, Jha alleged that the party has failed to come to terms with successive electoral defeats. He accused the Congress and its allies of questioning democratic institutions only when they lose elections, while accepting the same process when they win. 'If they want to protest, nobody is stopping them,' Jha said, adding that the Opposition should respect the democratic mandate.
Jha also pointed to what he described as the absence of genuine unity within the INDIA Bloc in the recently concluded Bihar Legislative Council elections, and cited the Congress' electoral challenges in Karnataka as further evidence of the bloc's fragility.
JD(U) Reviews MLC Performance, Eyes Uttar Pradesh
Jha confirmed that the JD(U) would hold a significant organisational meeting on 5 November to review its performance in the MLC elections. 'The meeting would examine the reasons behind the results, identify areas where the organisation remained weak and assess shortcomings in the party's election strategy. Corrective steps would be taken to strengthen the organisation,' he said.
On the party's footprint beyond Bihar, Jha noted that the JD(U) retains an established presence in Uttar Pradesh and has previously won Assembly seats there. A workers' convention slated for 1 November — to be attended by Nishant Kumar — may see the party clarify its stand on contesting future elections in the state.
Point of View
But it sidesteps the real question: whether Kumar's public refusal reflects a broader faction that feels emboldened by the election outcome. Meanwhile, the Farakka campaign and the swipe at the Congress rally look designed to project strength externally even as the party tends internal wounds — a familiar Bihar political playbook. The JD(U)'s 5 November review meeting will be the real temperature check.
NationPress
30 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Sanjay Kumar Jha defend Lalan Singh on Friday?
Jha defended Lalan Singh after newly elected MLC Neeraj Kumar publicly stated on Thursday that he would not seek Lalan Singh's blessings — a remark seen as a sign of internal JD(U) tension. Jha described Lalan Singh as a senior and respected leader who had contributed to building the party.
What is the JD(U)'s Farakka Treaty protest campaign?
The JD(U) announced a protest campaign starting 2 November covering four remaining districts to highlight the Farakka Treaty's adverse impact on Bihar. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is reportedly expected to participate, and the party also plans a marathon to raise public awareness.
Why is the JD(U) criticising the Congress November 1 rally?
JD(U) Working President Jha accused the Congress of failing to accept electoral defeats and of selectively questioning democratic institutions. He argued the Opposition should respect the democratic mandate, even as he noted the party is free to hold protests.
What is the JD(U) reviewing at its 5 November meeting?
The party will hold an organisational meeting on 5 November to examine its performance in the Bihar Legislative Council elections, identify organisational weaknesses, and assess strategic shortcomings, with corrective measures to follow.
What is the JD(U)'s position on contesting elections in Uttar Pradesh?
Jha confirmed the JD(U) has an established organisational presence in Uttar Pradesh and has previously won Assembly seats there. A workers' convention on 1 November, to be attended by Nishant Kumar, may clarify the party's stance on contesting future state elections.
