Patna: The Bihar government, led by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, is set to face a crucial floor test on Monday, amidst escalating political tensions. In a bid to secure their respective factions, the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), Janata Dal United (JDU), Congress, and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) have taken strategic measures, including sequestering their legislators.
On Saturday, RJD leader Tejashwi Prasad Yadav convened a gathering of all party MLAs at his residence, while the BJP transported its legislators to Bodh Gaya under the guise of a training session.
However, fissures within the ruling JDU became apparent when five of its MLAs failed to attend a luncheon hosted by Minister Shravan Kumar, sparking speculation about potential rifts within the party. Meanwhile, Congress MLAs, who are slated to arrive in Patna from Hyderabad, are expected to head directly to Tejashwi’s residence upon landing, ahead of the crucial floor test.
Sources indicate heightened activity from investigative agencies such as the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and Income Tax department, focusing on alleged suspicious financial transactions involving certain political entities and leaders in Bihar.
Tejashwi has maintained a close watch over his MLAs, accommodating them at his bungalow with provisions for meals and entertainment since their assembly. The morning saw a gathering of 16 MLAs from left-wing parties, including the Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist), at Tejashwi’s residence, where breakfast was served, followed by a late-night musical performance by Chaudhary Yusuf Kaiser and Chetan Anand.
Ahead of the impending floor test, RJD has issued a whip to its MLAs, with Tejashwi planning a leisurely game of cricket with them on Sunday afternoon.
Speculations arose over the absence of two JDU MLAs: one from Patna reportedly offered a Lok Sabha seat by the ruling party, while those from Siwan expressed discontent with the leadership’s handling of Muslim politics in the district.
Meanwhile, BJP has stationed 78 MLAs in Bodh Gaya for a workshop scheduled on Sunday, aimed at briefing them about the legislative proceedings. Notably, one MLA each from Darbhanga and West Champaran districts was absent from the workshop, prompting Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary to reassure that all members are being adequately informed.
The JDU is set to convene a meeting of its MLAs on Sunday evening at Minister Vijay Chaudhary’s residence, having issued a whip to ensure their attendance. However, concerns loom over the absence of six JDU MLAs, including Dilip Rai, Dr. Sanjeev Kumar, Shalini Mishra, Sudarshan, Ashok Kumar Chaudhary, and Bima Bharti, who did not provide reasons for their nonattendance at a prior dinner engagement hosted by Minister Shravan Kumar.
