Ara/Piro: Manoj Upadhyay, a former MLC candidate from the Bhojpur-Buxar local body constituency and former state general secretary of JDU, expressed his delight at the victory of JDU spokesperson Neeraj Kumar. In a press conference, Upadhyay stated that the results of the graduate and teacher legislative council elections have sent a clear message that the people and enlightened voters of the state will not be swayed by money and muscle power. He described Neeraj Kumar as a pure political activist, emphasizing that his victory was crucial for keeping democracy alive.

Upadhyay also lauded Neeraj Kumar's social and relief work during the COVID-19 pandemic. Clarifying his stance on his expulsion from the party, Upadhyay said that even though the organization had removed him, JDU still resides in his heart. He explained that he decided to contest the Bhojpur-Buxar MLC election to fulfill his father's last wish, as every individual has a constitutional right to contest elections in a democracy.

Upadhyay stressed that despite contesting the election, he never made objectionable remarks against the party or any of its top leaders. Manoj referred to Union Minister and former JDU National President Lalan Singh as a guardian figure, describing him as a serious and composed personality. He also praised former Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's contributions to Bihar's development, stating that it would be impossible for any other leader to achieve such work in the current era.