RJD MP from Madhepura Rajesh Ranjan alias Pappu Yadav was expelled from the party for six years on Thursday on charges of indiscipline and anti-party activities. The move did not come as a surprise as Yadav had taken stand contrary to the party line on various issues, including support to former Bihar Chief Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi and reservation over the merger of the RJD with other Janata Parivar offshoots.
He also did not reply to the show-cause notice served to him by the party almost a month ago. The 48-year-old controversial Yadav, a five-time MP, had rejoined the RJD only in March 2014 just before the lok Sabha polls and the party had awarded him with ticket from Madhepura from where he was defeated by Janata Dal (U) president Sharad Yadav.
Upset by the development, a bitter Pappu said,“Injustice has been meted out to me. The people will give a befitting reply to this injustice to lalu Prasad.” He had been convicted for life by a CBI court in 2008 for his alleged role in the sensational murder of CPM leader Ajit Sarkar in Purnia. However, in 2012, the Patna High Court had acquitted him. Pappu represented Purnia seat in the lok Sabha four times. Also, he hopped from one party to another including Samajwadi Party, lJP and Congress. His wife Ranjita Ranjan, who is a Congress MP, said, “He never did anything wrong or indulged in anti-party activities. Don’t know what angered lalu PrasadIJ” He had been elected to the lok Sabha thrice as Independent, she added.
Moreover, former CM Manjhi said he would welcome Pappu in his party Hindustani Awam Morcha. “My doors are always open for Pappu ji,” said Manjhi for whom Pappu disobeyed party line and was even accused by the JD (U) for using muscle power to influence the legislators. later on, Pappu advocated including Manjhi in the scheme of merger.
The sharp differences between Pappu and lalu Prasad emerged during the national executive of the RJD held in March where the party chief had severely admonished Madhepura MP for opposing the merger plan. “Only my son can be my successor not you,” lalu had chided him at the meeting. lalu was also angry with him for using his photo in the posters and banners of Yuva Shakti, a youth outfit floated by Pappu, once seen as terror organisation of Kosi region.
It is pertinent to mention here that Pappu recently had a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at his chamber in Parliament which is interpreted as a sign that he may cross over to the BJP. Union Minister of State Ram Kripal Yadav, a former close aide of lalu, expressing solidarity with Pappu said he had been raising right voices in the party for which he has been shown the door.
Moreover, Pappu said he would decide his future course of action by May 16 but asserted that lalu has no authority to expel him since RJD had already decided to merge with other Janata parties and Mulayam Singh Yadav has been recognised as leader. Pappu accused lalu of being concerned only about his family. He said he has already intimated the Election Commission about his opposition to RJD’s decision of merger and would strive to maintain existence of the party.