Political Controversy Erupts in Bihar Over Independent MLAs Joining BJP
Bihars political landscape shifts as independent MLAs join BJP, prompting demands for disqualification from the RJD.
Patna, November 1 (Daily Kiran) : Political tensions in Bihar have escalated following the recent election of independent candidates Rahul Raj and Banshidhar Brajwasi to the Legislative Council. Their decision to support the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has sparked a heated debate. The Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) is now calling for both newly elected members to be declared ineligible, urging the Chairman of the Legislative Council to intervene.
Manoj Kumar Jha, the national spokesperson for the RJD and a member of parliament, held a press conference at the party’s state office on Sunday. He emphasized that joining a political party after being elected as an independent candidate violates the provisions of the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution. Jha stated that the RJD intends to raise this issue with the Chairman and may approach the courts if necessary.
He noted that both independent candidates displayed documents indicating their membership in the BJP after their electoral victory. Jha claimed that videos and other evidence of this development exist. He highlighted the distinction between providing support and officially joining a political party, asserting that independent members cannot affiliate with any party under constitutional provisions.
Referencing Paragraph 2(2) of the Tenth Schedule and Article 191(2) of the Constitution, Jha explained that independent members who join a political party after their election are subject to disqualification from membership in the house. He also mentioned that the RJD would inform the Election Commission about this situation.
Jha accused the BJP of attempting to weaken the Janata Dal (United) by aligning with these independent candidates. He pointed out that, despite a large coalition and the use of state resources, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) secured only two seats in the recent elections.
The RJD leader asserted that the election results send a clear message from non-NDA voters. He urged the Chairman of the Legislative Council to make a fair decision regarding this matter. Jha warned that if appropriate constitutional actions are not taken, the party will seek judicial intervention. He stressed that the Chairman has the opportunity to play an impartial role rather than act as a representative of any party.
It is noteworthy that in the recent elections for eight seats in the Bihar Legislative Council, independent candidate Rahul Raj defeated NDA-supported JD(U) candidate Anand Pushkar in the Saran teachers’ constituency. Similarly, Banshidhar Brajwasi won against JD(U) candidate Abhishek Jha in the Tirhut graduate constituency. Both newly elected members attended a meeting of the BJP legislative party at the party office on Saturday, where they were welcomed by state president Sanjay Sarawagi, alongside Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary.
