Patna: Two Independent members of the Bihar Legislative Council (MLCs), who had defeated JDU candidates in recent elections, have backtracked on their claims of joining the BJP after their induction triggered questions over the anti-defection law.
Banshidhar Brajwasi, elected from the Tirhut Graduates' constituency, and Rahul Raj, who won the Saran Teachers' constituency, had attended a BJP programme in the presence of Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary and senior party leaders. Both initially told the media that they had joined the BJP.
However, amid the controversy, the two later clarified on social media that they had only extended support to the party and had not formally joined it. BJP state president Sanjay Saraogi also said they had extended their support to the party.
The development has prompted Leader of Opposition Tejashwi Yadav to demand their disqualification under the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution. The provision bars an elected Independent legislator from joining a political party after the election. The Chairman of the Bihar Legislative Council is empowered to decide disqualification petitions.
The controversy has also exposed tensions within the ruling NDA. JDU leader Anand Pushkar, who lost the Saran Teachers' constituency to Rahul Raj, accused BJP leaders of failing to honour alliance commitments during the election campaign.
Pushkar alleged that BJP leaders had not adequately supported JDU candidates despite decisions taken at alliance meetings. He also questioned the circumstances in which the sitting MLC contested as an Independent, claiming he had earlier been assured that the candidate would withdraw.
Despite his criticism, Pushkar reiterated his loyalty to JDU and its leader, Nitish Kumar, accusing some alliance partners of betraying the principles of coalition politics.
The central issue now is whether the two MLCs formally joined the BJP or merely extended political support. If formal membership is established, they could face disqualification under the anti-defection law.