Tejashwi Yadav seeks disqualification of two Bihar MLCs over BJP switch
RJD leader claims the independent members violated anti-defection laws after joining the BJP following their election.
RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav has sought the disqualification of Bihar MLCs Bansidhar Brajwasi and Rahul Raj, according to ThePrint. The two members announced they had joined the BJP less than a week after being elected as independent candidates.
Yadav, the Leader of Opposition in the state assembly, stated that the decision to join a political party after being elected as independents attracts disqualification provisions under the Tenth Schedule to the Constitution of India. He said the move violates the anti-defection law.
Brajwasi and Raj were elected from the Tirhut Graduates and Saran Teachers constituencies, respectively. Brajwasi said he joined the BJP after discussions with the chief minister, while Raj stated he had rejoined the party after previously quitting due to coalition compulsions.
The BJP has claimed the members were merely extending support to the party. BJP spokesman Kuntal Krishna and MLA Manoj Sharma said the MLCs were reposing trust in the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary, and JD(U) president Nitish Kumar.
In the recent biennial polls for eight legislative council seats, the BJP won two seats and the JD(U) won one. The BJP and JD(U) had contested four seats each during the elections.