Gopalganj Medical College Sparks Political Showdown Between JDU and BJP Leaders

Gopalganj: The announcement of a medical college in Gopalganj has turned into a political flashpoint for the NDA, as leaders from the JDU and BJP clash over the project. JDU MLA Manjit Singh and BJP MLA Mithilesh Tiwari are now engaged in a public war of words, each staking claims and criticizing the other’s influence over the project.

Dispute Over Location and Land Acquisition
The main point of contention is the site selection for the medical college. JDU MLA Manjit Singh has raised concerns over land acquisition in Thave. According to reports, 25 acres and 20 decimals of land selected in Thave fall under the Agriculture Department and have yet to receive a no-objection certificate. Singh argues that the college should instead be established in Dhankhar, within his constituency of Barouli, where a survey found 24 acres and 37 decimals of non-encumbered land suitable for the project.

Battle for Credit and Influence
The political tussle is not only about land but also about who gets credit for bringing development to Gopalganj. While JDU’s Manjit Singh wants the college in Dhankhar, BJP MLA Mithilesh Tiwari, with support from influential MLA Amrendra Kumar Pandey, successfully pushed for the project to be located in Thave. This has intensified the confrontation between the two leaders.

Leaders Face Off Publicly
Manjit Singh, representing Barouli, has openly criticized Tiwari’s influence in his constituency and across Bakunthpur. He stated, “Barouli is my life and Bakunthpur is my pride. I will do whatever it takes for development and will not step back from contributing to Bakunthpur. I have previously contested the 2020 assembly elections from Barouli and proved my commitment to the region.”

Tiwari, on the other hand, has urged Singh to focus on Barouli and refrain from interfering in Bakunthpur politics, asserting his own influence in the area.

Historical Context of Political Clashes in the Region
This is not the first time the region has witnessed such disputes. In 2023, a similar confrontation occurred between then-JDU national president Rajiv Ranjan ‘Lalan’ Singh and minister Ashok Chowdhary over influence in Sheikhpura and Barbegha, resulting in a sharp public disagreement over political boundaries and control.

The Gopalganj medical college issue highlights how development projects, while aimed at improving public welfare, can also become arenas for political maneuvering and power struggles within parties and alliances.