‘Not consulted’ on ticket distribution, JD(U) MP Ajay Kumar Mandal wants to quit

Janata Dal (United) Lok Sabha member from Bhagalpur Ajay Kumar Mandal on Tuesday (October 14, 2025) said he wants to resign as MP as he was not consulted on ticket distribution in the region for the upcoming Bihar Assembly election. His statement comes amid the delay in the announcement of candidates by the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), which finalised its seat-sharing arrangements on Sunday (October 12, 2025).

In a two-page letter posted on social media, Mr. Mandal said despite being the local MP, he was not consulted for the distribution of Assembly tickets in the region. Saying that in such circumstances, there is no justification for him to continue as an MP, he sought permission from Chief Minister Nitish Kumar to resign.

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Mr. Mandal said, with the blessings and guidance of Mr. Kumar, he has been serving the people of the Bhagalpur region either as an MLA or as an MP for the past 20-25 years. He said that throughout his long political career, he has considered the JD(U) his family and has worked to strengthen its organisation and workers.

“I have always worked closely with the district president, in-charge, and workers in Bhagalpur district to strengthen the party. However, for the past few months, decisions have been made within the organisation that do not bode well for the party and its future. Despite being the local MP, I am not being consulted or discussed on ticket distribution for the Assembly elections,” Mr. Mandal said.

‘Local leadership ignored’

He added, “Tickets are being given to individuals who have never worked for the party organisation. The opinions of the district president and local leadership are being completely ignored.”

Mr. Mandal further said, “After I became an MP in 2019, of all the seats (five) the Janata Dal (United) contested in the Bihar Assembly by-elections that year, the party’s victory was ensured in only my seat (Nathnagar Assembly seat in Bhagalpur) under my leadership. This is a symbol of my loyalty to the Janata Dal (United) and the public’s trust. Today, when some within the party are distributing tickets in my own Lok Sabha constituency and ignoring the organisation, this situation is extremely sad.”

Mr. Mandal claimed that he was not allowed to meet Mr. Kumar and his opinions were not heard.

“In such a situation, I find it difficult to understand how I can continue to hold the position of MP, while worrying about my self-respect and the future of the party, when the opinions of dedicated workers and local leadership in the organisation no longer matters,” Mr. Mandal said.

Expressing his “pain”, the MP said his intention was not to express any resentment or protest, but to protect the party and leadership from future harm.

“If outsiders or inactive individuals continue to be prioritised, the party’s roots will weaken and this will directly impact the leadership of the Chief Minister, which is a matter of concern for all of us. Therefore, with self-respect and true loyalty to the organisation, I humbly request you to allow me to resign from my MP post,” Mr. Mandal said in the letter.