Patna: The biennial election to the Patna graduates’ constituency of the legislative council, scheduled for Oct 23, has become a high-stakes contest for the ruling NDA and the opposition Mahagathbandhan, with implications beyond the single seat.The constituency, whose electorate consists only of registered university graduates, will also be watched as an early political test for Nishant Kumar, son and heir apparent of JD(U) president and former CM Nitish Kumar. The outcome is expected to indicate whether JD(U) can hold together Nitish Kumar’s support base among extremely backward classes, backward classes and Dalits. Results of the polls will be declared on Oct 27.Eighteen candidates are in the fray, but the contest has narrowed into a four-cornered fight. JD(U)’s Neeraj Kumar, the sitting MLC and party chief spokesperson, is seeking a fourth consecutive term as the NDA candidate. RJD has fielded Dilip Kumar, a Kurmi, in an attempt to tap anti-incumbency and challenge JD(U) among a caste group that has traditionally backed Nitish, himself a Kurmi.Prashant Kishor’s Jan Suraaj has nominated Anuj Singh, positioning him as an alternative for educated youth and first-time political switchers. The campaign gained a sharper edge after Mokama MLA Anant Singh, a JD(U) rebel, openly backed Anuj and vowed to defeat Neeraj, creating a serious internal threat to NDA’s arithmetic.Congress has added another layer of uncertainty by fielding Asadullah Khan, leading to a direct clash with its Mahagathbandhan ally, RJD. The split in the opposition camp could fragment the anti-NDA vote and help Neeraj if he manages a strong first-preference base.However, JD(U)’s challenge is not limited to opposition fragmentation. Anant’s influence in the region could divert a significant bloc of votes towards Jan Suraaj. With caste loyalties, graduate voter behaviour, alliance tensions and rebellion all at play, the Patna graduates’ seat has emerged as a prestige battle for Bihar’s main political formations.
