Patna: Neeraj Kumar, the Janata Dal (United) MLC, the party's chief spokesperson and its candidate for the Patna Graduates' constituency of the Bihar Legislative Council, was admitted late on Monday night to the intensive care unit (ICU) of a private hospital in Patna following a heart-related complication, IANS reported. He has a pre-existing heart condition, according to available information.

Kumar is under medical supervision, and further details of his condition and treatment have not been officially disclosed. On Tuesday, Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary visited the hospital, met Neeraj Kumar, spoke to the doctors treating him about his condition and wished him a speedy recovery. Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Choudhary and BJP state president Sanjay Saraogi were also present, and the Chief Minister shared a photograph of the visit on X.

The hospitalisation comes days before the Bihar Legislative Council election: voting for eight seats is scheduled for October 23, with counting and results on October 27. Neeraj Kumar is a three-time MLC seeking another term from the Patna Graduates' constituency.

The episode has sharpened an intra-party row. JD(U) MLA from Mokama Anant Singh has openly backed Jan Suraaj candidate Dr Anuj Singh in the same constituency and, in remarks quoted by IANS, alleged that the illness was 'drama' — that is Anant Singh's allegation, not an established fact. Anant Singh said his support for the rival candidate stemmed from a personal dispute with Neeraj Kumar and had nothing to do with his political relationship with the JD(U). In campaign remarks on October 15 in Barh, Neeraj Kumar had said he would not be intimidated and appealed to voters to judge his character.

Sources: IANS, October 20, 2026; also listed by Nation Press.