Bihar: INDIA Bloc demands disqualification of two MLCs after joining BJP

Patna, Nov 4 (IANS) The political controversy over the membership of two Bihar Legislative Council members, Rahul Raj and Banshidhar Brajwasi, has intensified, with the INDIA Bloc demanding their disqualification for joining the BJP after winning elections as independent candidates.

A delegation of INDIA Bloc leaders on Wednesday submitted a memorandum to the Acting Chairman of the Bihar Legislative Council, seeking termination of the membership of the two MLCs under the anti-defection provisions of the Constitution.

The delegation was led by RJD National General Secretary and MLC Abdul Bari Siddiqui. Other alliance leaders, including MLC Sunil Kumar, were also present during the meeting.

The INDIA Bloc leaders argued that Rahul Raj and Banshidhar Brajwasi had violated constitutional provisions by joining the BJP after being elected as independent candidates.

Citing the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution, the delegation demanded that the Acting Chairman initiate proceedings against the two legislators and cancel their membership of the Legislative Council.

The delegation also submitted video footage and other documentary evidence allegedly establishing that the two MLCs had joined the BJP.

The leaders urged the Acting Chairman to examine the evidence and take appropriate action in accordance with constitutional provisions.

Speaking after submitting the memorandum, Abdul Bari Siddiqui said the delegation had handed over several important pieces of evidence and demanded the immediate termination of the membership of both MLCs.

RJD leaders maintained that the matter required a thorough constitutional and legal examination, arguing that elected independent representatives could not subsequently join a political party without attracting the provisions of the anti-defection law.

The issue has now become a fresh political flashpoint in Bihar, with the final decision resting with the Acting Chairman of the Legislative Council.

Notably, the Jan Suraaj Party had earlier submitted a separate memorandum to the Acting Chairman, also demanding the disqualification of Rahul Raj and Banshidhar Brajwasi on similar grounds.

With the INDIA Bloc and Jan Suraaj approaching the Council authorities, attention is now focused on the proceedings and the decision of the Acting Chairman.

--IANS

ajk/dan