Rift in Bihar NDA? 2 Independent candidates who beat JDU in MLC polls join BJP

Two independent candidates who defeated JDU nominees in the Bihar Legislative Council elections joined the BJP on Saturday, triggering fresh questions over coordination within the ruling NDA alliance. The move has drawn criticism from JDU leader Anand Pushkar, who accused some BJP leaders of failing to honour alliance commitments during the polls.

Rahul Raj, who won the Saran Teachers' constituency, and Banshidhar Brijwasi, who defeated the JDU candidate in the Tirhut Graduates' constituency, joined the BJP after meeting Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary.

Their induction into the BJP has intensified the political debate within the NDA, with Pushkar publicly questioning the role of BJP leaders Rajiv Pratap Rudy and Radha Mohan Singh in the elections.PUSHKAR QUESTIONS BJP OVER ALLIANCE DUTY

In a social media post, Pushkar, who contested the Saran Teachers' constituency on a JDU ticket, accused some BJP leaders of not fulfilling their responsibilities towards alliance candidates.

He 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 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 have gained significance after both independent winners joined the BJP following their meeting with Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary.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.

He also praised Nitish Kumar's leadership and contribution to Bihar's development. Pushkar referred to the work done by his late father, Kedarnath Pandey, for the teachers' community.

Concluding his criticism, Pushkar alleged that despite consistently respecting the principles of coalition politics, he had faced political betrayal and conspiracy during the election. He questioned whether the commitment and dedication of grassroots alliance workers had any value within the NDA.HOW THE TWO INDEPENDENTS DEFEATED JDU CANDIDATES

The controversy follows the JDU's defeats in two Bihar Legislative Council constituencies.

In the Saran Teachers' constituency, Independent candidate Rahul Raj defeated JDU nominee Anand Pushkar. In the Tirhut Graduates' constituency, Independent candidate Banshidhar Brijwasi defeated JDU's Abhishek Jha.

Both winners met Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary on Saturday before joining the BJP.

Their entry into the BJP, after defeating candidates from an NDA ally, has brought questions over coordination, campaign commitments and mutual support within the ruling alliance into focus.- Ends

Rohit Kumar Singh is an award-winning journalist with about 23 years of experience across broadcast, print, and digital media platforms. He has been associated with the India Today Group for the last 18 years and is currently serving as Senior Editor and Bureau Chief, Bihar.

Known for his sharp political understanding and strong field reporting, Rohit has established himself as a credible and influential voice in Bihar journalism. He leads a team of reporters and oversees coverage of major political, administrative, and social developments across the state.

Over the years, Rohit has extensively covered key political events, elections, governance issues, and policy developments in Bihar and Jharkhand. He has also conducted exclusive interviews with several influential political leaders and public figures across party lines.

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