Bihar, Oct.14,2025:In a significant political development ahead of the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections, Janata Dal (United) [JD(U)] Member of Parliament (MP) from Bhagalpur, Ajay Kumar Mandal, has offered to resign from his position. This move has sent ripples through the state’s political landscape, highlighting internal conflicts within the ruling party-
Ajay Kumar Mandal’s Resignation Offer
On October 14, 2025, Ajay Kumar Mandal addressed a letter to Bihar Chief Minister and JD(U) President Nitish Kumar, seeking permission to resign from his MP post. In his communication, Mandal expressed his dissatisfaction with the party’s internal functioning and the recent ticket distribution process for the upcoming assembly elections. He stated that despite being the local MP, his advice was not sought during the selection of candidates, rendering his position untenable.
Exclusion from Ticket Distribution
Mandal’s letter highlighted several key concerns-
- Lack of Consultation: He was not consulted regarding the selection of candidates for the assembly elections, despite his long-standing association with the party and his position as the local MP.
- Neglect of Local Leadership: The opinions of district presidents and local leaders were reportedly ignored in the ticket distribution process.
- Preference for Outsiders: Individuals who had not contributed significantly to the party’s growth were allegedly being considered for tickets over seasoned local leaders.
These allegations point to a deeper issue of internal discord within JD(U), potentially affecting its unity and performance in the upcoming elections.
Bihar Assembly Elections 2025
The Bihar Assembly elections are scheduled for November 6 and 11, 2025, with results to be declared on November 14. The National Democratic Alliance (NDA), comprising JD(U), Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular), and Rashtriya Lok Morcha, has agreed on a seat-sharing formula. Under this arrangement, JD(U) and BJP will contest 101 seats each, while other allies will contest fewer seats. However, the allocation of seats has led to dissatisfaction among some party members, as evidenced by Mandal’s resignation offer.
Internal Strife Within JD(U)
Mandal’s resignation offer is not an isolated incident. JD(U) MLA Gopal Mandal staged a sit-in protest outside Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s residence, demanding a ticket for the upcoming elections. He expressed his frustration over being overlooked despite his contributions to the party. Additionally, former MLA Jay Kumar Singh resigned from JD(U), citing dissatisfaction with the seat-sharing arrangement and the allocation of the Dinara constituency seat to Rashtriya Lok Morcha. These events underscore the growing discontent within the party ranks.
Reactions from Party Leadership
The JD(U) leadership has yet to officially respond to Mandal’s resignation offer. However, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has been reportedly upset over the seat-sharing arrangements within the NDA, indicating potential challenges in maintaining party cohesion. The party’s ability to address these internal issues will be crucial in determining its performance in the upcoming elections.
The Broader Implications for Bihar Politics
Mandal’s resignation offer and the subsequent protests by other party members highlight a significant challenge for JD(U) ahead of the Bihar Assembly elections. Internal conflicts and dissatisfaction with ticket distribution could undermine the party’s prospects, especially in a politically competitive state like Bihar. The outcome of these developments will not only impact JD(U)’s standing but also influence the broader political dynamics in the state.
A Test for JD(U)’s Unity
As Bihar approaches its assembly elections, the internal strife within JD(U) presents a critical test for the party’s unity and leadership. The party must address the concerns raised by its members and work towards resolving internal conflicts to present a united front to the electorate. Failure to do so could have significant repercussions for JD(U)’s performance in the upcoming elections and its future in Bihar’s political landscape.
