2 Independent candidates who beat JDU in MLC polls join BJP. Then, a U-turn

Bihar’s ruling NDA faces a fresh political and constitutional challenge as two Independent MLCs who defeated JDU candidates backtrack on joining the BJP, while defeated candidates question the alliance’s election commitments.

Bihar BJP’s 2 Independent MLCs backtrack on joining party amid defection row (Representative image)

What began as a political victory for the BJP in Bihar has now turned into a constitutional controversy, with two newly elected Independent MLCs changing their stand on joining the party after questions were raised over the anti-defection law. The two leaders initially told the media that they had joined the BJP but later claimed they had only extended support to the party.

The two MLCs are Banshidhar Brajwasi, who won from the Tirhut Graduates’ constituency, and Dr Rahul Raj, who won from the Saran Teachers’ constituency. Both had contested the recent Bihar Legislative Council elections as Independent candidates, defeating nominees of the BJP’s NDA ally, the JDU.

After their victory, the two attended a BJP programme where they were seen joining the party. Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary, BJP state president Sanjay Saraogi and Bihar BJP in-charge Harish Dwivedi were also present at the event.

After the programme, both MLCs came out and told the media that they had joined the BJP. However, after the controversy over their membership and the anti-defection law erupted, they took to social media to clarify that they had only extended their support to the party and had not formally joined it.

BJP state president Sanjay Saraogi also backed their clarification, stating that the two MLCs had extended support to the BJP.

The timing of the clarifications has raised questions over whether the decision to describe their association as political support rather than formal membership came after the possible legal consequences became clear.

TEJASHWI SEEKS DISQUALIFICATION UNDER ANTI-DEFECTION LAW

Meanwhile, Leader of Opposition Tejashwi Yadav has demanded the disqualification of both MLCs, citing Paragraph 2(2) of the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution.

According to this provision, an Independent member elected to the House is disqualified if they join a political party after the election.

Tejashwi accused the BJP of making a mockery of the Constitution and democracy and demanded immediate action against the two MLCs.

Under the Constitution, the Chairman of the Bihar Legislative Council has the authority to decide disqualification cases under the Tenth Schedule.

The central question now is whether Rahul Raj and Banshidhar Brajwasi formally joined the BJP or merely extended their support to the party. Their initial statements after the BJP programme, subsequent social media clarifications and other available evidence could become important in determining the matter.

If it is established that they formally joined the BJP after being elected as Independents, they could face disqualification under the anti-defection law. However, merely supporting a political party does not automatically lead to disqualification.

JDU LEADER QUESTIONS BJP OVER ALLIANCE DUTY

The controversy has also intensified questions over coordination within the ruling NDA alliance, as both Independent candidates had defeated JDU nominees in the recent Legislative Council elections.

JDU leader Anand Pushkar, who contested the Saran Teachers’ constituency, had earlier accused some BJP leaders of failing to honour alliance commitments during the polls.

The BJP’s move to induct the two Independent winners into the party drew criticism from Pushkar, who questioned the role played by BJP leaders Rajiv Pratap Rudy and Radha Mohan Singh during the elections.

In a social media post, Pushkar questioned whether the principle of alliance cooperation was followed only when BJP leaders sought votes for themselves or whether it also applied when candidates from an alliance partner needed support.

Targeting BJP MP Rajiv Pratap Rudy, Pushkar raised questions about the role played by some BJP leaders during the Saran Teachers’ constituency election. He also questioned the role of Motihari MP Radha Mohan Singh.

Pushkar pointed out that BJP leaders often invoked the development work carried out under Nitish Kumar’s leadership and sought votes in his name during their own elections. However, he alleged, the same commitment was missing when it came to supporting candidates from the JDU.

PUSHKAR CLAIMS PROMISES WERE BROKEN OVER SITTING MLC

Pushkar also alleged that he had repeatedly been assured during the election campaign that the sitting Member of the Legislative Council (MLC) would be persuaded not to contest the election and would accept the alliance’s decision.

However, the assurance was not fulfilled, and the sitting MLC eventually entered the contest as an Independent candidate.

Questioning the circumstances surrounding the development, Pushkar asked why alliance leaders had been kept under the impression that the candidate would withdraw. He also raised the possibility of the Independent candidate’s eventual induction into the BJP having been planned in advance.

The JDU leader’s questions gained significance after both Independent winners met Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary and attended the BJP programme.

ALLEGES BJP MPs, MLAs DID NOT CAMPAIGN FOR JDU

Pushkar further alleged that decisions taken at an NDA meeting were not implemented on the ground during the elections.

According to him, alliance leaders and public representatives had collectively decided to visit schools, meet teachers and mobilise support for the NDA candidates.

However, he claimed that several BJP MPs and MLAs did not act on the decision. He alleged that the expected school visits did not take place and that BJP representatives did not demonstrate the required level of campaigning among teachers.

PUSHKAR REAFFIRMS LOYALTY TO NITISH KUMAR

Despite expressing his displeasure over the BJP leaders’ alleged conduct, Pushkar reiterated his loyalty to the JDU and its leadership.

Describing himself as a long-standing party worker, he said he had been a JDU worker in the past, remained one in the present and would continue to be one in the future.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/rift-in-bihar-nda-2-independent-candidates-who-beat-jdu-in-mlc-polls-join-bjp-3029660-2026-11-01