JD(U) faces revolt as ex-Nabinagar MLA quits over ticket row

Aurangabad: The simmering discontent within the Janata Dal (United) over ticket distribution for the upcoming Bihar assembly elections has erupted into an open rebellion. On Thursday, former Nabinagar MLA Virendra Kumar Singh resigned from all party posts, along with hundreds of his supporters, accusing the leadership of neglecting grassroots workers and imposing an “outsider” candidate on the constituency.Addressing a press conference in Aurangabad, Virendra said the party leadership has “insulted the sentiments of local workers by giving a ticket to an outsider”. “The people of Nabinagar will never accept such a candidate. We are not only resigning from the JD(U), but also from all party positions in protest against this injustice,” he said.His resignation follows that of Ashok Kumar Singh, former MLA from Rafiganj and district JD(U) president, who had quit the party posts for similar reasons.

The party had hurriedly appointed a new district president to contain the fallout.Several block, panchayat and booth-level JD(U) functionaries also tendered their resignations in solidarity with Virendra. “This is not an act of rebellion against the party, but a stand for local self-respect,” Virendra said.He added, “I have worked tirelessly for Nabinagar, visiting every village multiple times and standing by the people in their joys and sorrows.

Yet, my commitment and sincerity were overlooked. If there were a more deserving local candidate, I would have gladly supported him. But imposing an outsider is an insult to the people.”The former Nabinagar MLA also accused the new candidate of “reviving caste-based politics” in the region. “I worked hard to move beyond caste politics in Nabinagar, but what’s happening now is a dangerous return to old divisions,” he said.Becoming emotional, Virendra added, “The great people of Nabinagar have elected me three times as MLA and once as MP. Today, I am appealing to the same people to decide who truly represents their interests. I remain their servant and their voice.”