The claim of two independent members joining BJP after the Legislative Council elections in Bihar has created a political controversy. Banshidhar Brajwasi and Rahul Raj later said that they had not taken membership of the party, but had given support. Meanwhile, Tejashwi Yadav has demanded cancellation of membership of both.
Tezzbuzz Desk – A new controversy has emerged in Bihar politics regarding two independent Legislative Council members. Banshidhar Brajwasi from Tirhut graduate constituency and Dr. Rahul Raj from Saran teacher constituency had defeated Janata Dal United (JDU) candidates in the recently held Legislative Council elections. After winning the elections, the presence of both the leaders in the BJP program and their initial statements of joining the party increased the political stir.
However, later both the leaders clarified their stand through social media and said that they have not taken membership of BJP, but have supported the party. BJP state president Sanjay Saraogi also said that both the independent MLCs have supported the party. After this development, questions are being raised about his formally joining BJP.
Tejashwi Yadav demanded cancellation of membership
RJD leader and Leader of Opposition in Bihar Assembly Tejashwi Yadav has demanded action against both the MLCs under the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution. He says that if an independently elected member joins a political party after the election, it can become a ground for disqualification under the defection law.
Tejashwi Yadav also accused BJP of making fun of the Constitution and democracy. He has demanded cancellation of membership of both the members. The Chairman of the Legislative Council has the power to decide on matters related to disqualification under the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution.
Why did the statement change after joining BJP?
Both the independent MLCs had earlier attended the BJP program and had told the media about joining the party. After this, when the controversy regarding anti-defection law came up, he clarified that he had only supported BJP.
Now the main question in this matter is whether both the leaders had actually taken formal membership of BJP or merely supported the party. His initial statement, subsequent clarification and other available evidence may be important in this regard. Merely supporting any political party is not in itself a ground for termination of membership.
After the defeat of JDU, questions were raised in NDA also
This controversy has come to light at a time when JDU had to face defeat on some seats in the recently held Bihar Legislative Council elections. In Saran teachers' constituency, independent Rahul Raj defeated JDU candidate Anand Pushkar, while in Tirhut graduates' constituency, Banshidhar Brajwasi defeated JDU's Abhishek Jha.
After these results, JDU leader Anand Pushkar raised questions on the role of some BJP leaders during the elections. He alleged that the dharma of cooperation and alliance was not followed uniformly within the NDA. However, these allegations are his own statements.
The change in stance of both the MLCs and Tejashwi Yadav's demand for action has increased the political controversy in Bihar. If it is proved that both the independent members formally joined any political party after being elected, then the question of action against them under anti-defection law may arise.
At present, the center of controversy is about the formal membership of the two leaders and the nature of their support. The decision on this matter in the coming days may be important for the politics of Bihar and relations within the NDA.