Patna, Oct 20 (IANS) JD(U) candidate for the Patna Graduates’ constituency of the Bihar Legislative Council, Neeraj Kumar, has been admitted to the ICU of a private hospital following a heart-related complication.
Kumar was admitted to the hospital late Monday night. He has a pre-existing heart condition, according to available information.
His hospitalisation comes amid a political tussle within the JD(U) over the Patna Graduates’ constituency election. Mokama MLA Anant Singh, who belongs to the same party, has openly supported Jan Suraaj candidate Anuj Singh and has made several remarks criticising Neeraj Kumar.
The two leaders have had political differences for quite some time. They also campaigned against each other during the Assembly elections.
Union Minister and senior JD(U) leader Lalan Singh intervened to resolve the differences, but Anant Singh ultimately backed the Jan Suraaj candidate in the MLC election.
Meanwhile, Neeraj Kumar has hit back at his critics without naming them directly. Addressing an election rally in Barh, Patna district, on October 15, he questioned the allegations being levelled against him and appealed to voters to judge his character based on their longstanding acquaintance with him.
“I have come before you seeking justice. Am I a criminal? Am I a thug? My character is being assassinated time and again,” he said.
The three-time MLC asserted that he would not be intimidated by his opponents. “I am not one to be intimidated; I am one to stand my ground,” he said.
During his campaign, Neeraj Kumar maintained that he had remained loyal to his party and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar.
Referring to voters who had known him for three to four decades, he asked them to assess whether he had ever engaged in criminal or abusive behaviour.
He also said he would not tolerate political or unethical attacks against Nitish Kumar, adding that he was prepared to respond to those targeting the JD(U) leader.
The election for eight Legislative Council seats is scheduled for October 23. The counting of votes and announcement of results will be made on October 27.
–IANS
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