PATNA, Nov 1: 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. |
