Tejashwi Yadav Seeks Disqualification of Two Bihar MLCs
Tejashwi Yadav demanded the disqualification of two newly elected Bihar MLCs who joined the BJP after winning as independent candidates.
Opposition leader Tejashwi Yadav has called for the disqualification of newly elected Bihar Legislative Council members Bansidhar Brajwasi and Rahul Raj. The two legislators won the Tirhut Graduates and Saran Teachers constituencies, respectively, as independent candidates before joining the Bharatiya Janata Party.
Yadav asserts that the move violates the anti-defection law under the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution of India, which prohibits independent candidates from joining a political party after election. The Rashtriya Janata Dal further alleged that the BJP strategically used independent candidates to defeat its own coalition partner, the JD(U), in these specific seats.
The BJP initially attempted to frame the move as the legislators merely extending support to the party and the NDA leadership. However, Rahul Raj, a former BJP rebel, clarified that he has officially taken party membership again. The induction is expected to increase the BJP's strength in the state legislative council beyond its current 26 members.
