Independent MLCs

Union Minister Chirag Paswan has questioned the reported move by two newly elected Independent MLCs to join the BJP, raising concerns over constitutional provisions, political morality and coordination within Bihar’s NDA alliance.

Two newly elected Independent MLCs, Bansidhar Brajwasi and Rahul Raj, have triggered a political and constitutional controversy in Bihar after initially announcing that they had joined the BJP. Following questions over the anti-defection law, they clarified that they had only extended support to the ruling party. The RJD and Jan Suraaj Party have demanded their disqualification, while tensions have also surfaced within the NDA after both legislators defeated JD(U) candidates.

The BJP has come under scrutiny after newly elected Independent MLCs Bansidhar Brajwasi and Rahul Raj announced their support for the party. Jan Suraaj, RJD and Congress leaders have demanded action under the anti-defection law, while the BJP and the two legislators maintain that extending support does not amount to formally joining the party. The controversy has also raised questions about political coordination within the NDA in Bihar.

Bihar JD(U) president Umesh Singh Kushwaha has expressed concern after Independent MLCs Bansidhar Brajwasi and Rahul Raj extended support to the BJP following their victories in the Legislative Council elections. Both legislators had defeated JD(U)-backed candidates. The development has exposed tensions within the BJP-JD(U) alliance, with questions also emerging over election coordination and the anti-defection controversy.

Two newly elected Independent members of the Bihar Legislative Council have joined the BJP. The RJD has objected to the move and says their membership should be cancelled under the anti-defection law.