Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
Patna, Sep 19: Union Minister and senior JD(U) leader Rajiv Ranjan Singh, alias Lalan Singh, has denied speculation about factionalism within the party and explained that he missed Friday’s legislative party meeting at the JD(U) headquarters as he was attending an event in Gujarat.
Speaking to reporters after arriving at Patna airport on Saturday, Singh said he was unaware of the programme when it was held.
“I was attending an event in Gujarat and was unaware of the meeting. Health Minister Nishant Kumar had called me, and I also spoke with Sanjay Jha,” he said.
Singh said several MLAs had contacted him regarding the programme. According to him, JD(U) National Working President Sanjay Jha subsequently informed him that the gathering was an orientation programme for legislators.
He dismissed suggestions of differences within the JD(U), saying the party remained united and continued its tradition of internal democracy, consensus and consultation.
“You people keep blowing things out of proportion unnecessarily. There are no differences within the party; the party is united,” Singh said.
He recalled that since Nitish Kumar founded the Samata Party in 1994, the organisation had functioned on the principles of internal democracy and consultation.
“That tradition continues today, and everyone is in agreement,” he added.
Explaining his absence again, Singh said his Gujarat engagement had already been scheduled and he had no information about the Patna programme.
“Several MLAs called me, but I told them I was in Gujarat and was not even aware of the meeting,” he said.
Singh said Nishant Kumar contacted him around 9 pm, following which he spoke with Sanjay Jha.
“Sanjay Jha explained that it was a routine orientation programme for the newly elected MLAs. The party functions entirely through mutual consultation. I am in regular contact with Sanjay Jha, so there is no dispute within the party,” Singh said.
The Friday programme, officially described by the JD(U) as an orientation exercise for legislators, was attended by a large number of MLAs and MLCs. Party leaders said it was aimed at familiarising legislators with legislative procedures and their responsibilities.
Singh’s absence, however, drew attention during the meeting, with several MLAs reportedly questioning why senior leaders had not been invited. The development subsequently led to speculation about possible differences within the party.
Sanjay Jha had earlier explained that the programme was meant for members of the legislature party and that MPs were not invited. He also said he remained in regular contact with Lalan Singh and that his absence was due to personal engagements.
Mokama MLA Anant Singh was also absent from the programme and said he was unaware of the meeting.
Asked about Anant Singh’s opposition to JD(U) MLC Neeraj Kumar in the Legislative Council election and the possibility of Kumar losing his security deposit, Lalan Singh declined to comment in detail.
He said the issue concerned the two individuals and suggested that they should be asked directly.
The remarks come amid an ongoing public dispute between Anant Singh and Neeraj Kumar ahead of the Patna Graduate constituency election, with Anant Singh having openly declared his opposition to Kumar.