Patna: In yet another political upheaval in Bihar, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has delivered a significant blow to Tejashwi Prasad Yadav’s Grand Alliance as three Members of Legislative Assembly (MLAs) crossed the aisle to join the BJP ranks. Among the defectors are two MLAs from the Congress party and one from the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD). This development follows a similar trend witnessed during the recent floor test on February 12, when three RJD MLAs defected to the National Democratic Alliance (NDA).
The defections include former Congress minister and MLA Murari Gautam, Siddharth Saurabh, Congress MLA from Vikram Assembly seat, and Sangeeta Kumari, RJD MLA from Mohania. Speculations are rife that the BJP might field Siddharth from Patliputra and Murari Gautam from the reserved seat of Sasaram in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.
The dramatic scene unfolded as all three MLAs, donning saffron attire, were seen entering the assembly complex accompanied by Deputy Chief Minister and BJP state president Samrat Chaudhary. Meanwhile, former Deputy CM Tejashwi Yadav continued his Jan Vishwas Yatra, engaging in a cricket match in Katihar earlier in the day followed by a road show in Bhagalpur.
Sangeeta Kumari, a newcomer in politics who won on an RJD ticket, entered the political arena about eight years ago. She previously served as the District President of RJD Women’s Cell and contested the election for Zilla Parishad member.
With this latest political maneuver, the BJP solidifies its position as the dominant force in Bihar, superseding the RJD. Following the loss of three RJD MLAs, the party’s tally stands at 75, while the BJP’s strength in the assembly now stands at 81, bolstered by the addition of two Congress MLAs and one RJD MLA.
Reacting to the developments, Deputy CM Samrat Chaudhary remarked, “We had not said that we would play. But, the child who said that we will play, we are giving him the toy to play again and again.” He emphasized that the political game is in full swing and suggested that those aligning with the Lalu family might find themselves on shaky ground electorally.
Chaudhary further indicated that the doors of the NDA are open for more potential defectors, signaling a potential shift in the political landscape of Bihar.
The recent turn of events underscores the fluidity of political alliances in the state, setting the stage for a fiercely contested electoral battle in the days to come.
