RJD and JSP are calling for disqualification of independent MLCs who have “joined” the BJP

Brajwasi and Rahul with party confirmation after joining BJP. November 1, 2026 | Photo credit: Special arrangement

Opposition Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) MP Manoj Jha on Sunday (November 1, 2026) called for the disqualification of two newly elected independent MLCs (Rahul Raj and Banshidhar Brajwasi) for allegedly “joining the BJP”. He sought urgent intervention of the Speaker of the Bihar Legislative Council in this matter.

A day earlier, the Bihar Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) issued a press statement that the two had joined the party, along with pictures that showed the membership certificate. However, after the controversy erupted, both the MLCs denied joining the party, claiming that they had only offered support to the BJP.

Mr. Jha said that under India’s Anti-Defection Act (Tenth Schedule of the Constitution), an Independent Member of the Legislative Council (MLC) or Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) cannot join any political party after being elected.

Addressing the press at the RJD state headquarters, Mr. Jha, Rajya Sabha MP and party’s national chief spokesperson, demanded that the incumbent Legislative Council Speaker Ram Bachan Rai disqualify the newly elected MLCs.

Presenting videos and photographs of the two MLCs allegedly joining the BJP, Mr. Jha said they had violated the anti-defection law and their membership should be terminated.

“We will approach the Acting Speaker and ask for the disqualification of these two members of the Legislative Council,” said Mr. said Jha.

Warning of riots

He said if no decision was taken regarding their disqualification, the dispute would spiral out of control.

Referring to Clause 2(2) of the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution of India, Mr. Jha explained that if an individual is elected as an independent candidate without being fielded by any political party and subsequently joins a political party, he shall be deemed to be disqualified from membership of the House.

Mr. Jha described the situation not just as “theft of votes” but as “robbery of public mandate”.

Targeting Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, the RJD leader said this serves as a test for all of them. He added that if such activities are patronized or encouraged, the whole matter will be exposed before the public.

Weakening of JD(U)

He suggested that this sequence of events should also be seen in the context of the political balance between the BJP and the Janata Dal (United), arguing that the BJP was attempting to expand its own political influence in Bihar while weakening its alliance partner, the JD(U). He pointed out that in constituencies where independents won, JD(U) candidates lost.

Banshidhar Brajwasi defeated JD(U) candidate Abhishek Jha from the Tirhut graduate seat by a margin of over 9,000 votes, while Rahul Raj defeated JD(U) candidate Anand Pushkar from the Saran teachers seat by a margin of 1,800 votes.

Mr. Jha warned that they are escalating the issue further – from the ECI to the courts. “If the Acting Speaker does not take an immediate and impartial decision on this matter, the matter will be taken to court, as well as to the people’s court,” Mr Jha said.

Kumar Saurabh, national spokesperson of the Jan Suraaj Party (JSP), echoed Mr. Jha’s sentiments while speaking to the press in Patna and claimed that both the MLCs would lose their MLC status.

He added that the JSP intends to submit a proposal to the Chairman of the Legislative Council and also turn to the courts.

“The BJP’s introduction of independent MLCs is a mockery of the Constitution,” said Mr. Saurabh. He argued that no matter how the elections are conducted or what the results are, the BJP can tilt the outcome in its favor with the help of money, state power and influence.

Published – 01 Nov 2026 22:58 IST