Patna, Nov 4 (IANS) Amid the political storm over two newly elected Independent MLCs – Banshidhar Brajvasi and Rahul Raj in the Bihar Legislative Council elections, making a switch to the ruling BJP, the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) on Wednesday intensified its demand for their disqualification from the House.
A delegation of RJD leaders, led by party secretary Abdul Bari Siddiqui, submitted a memorandum before the House Chairman and demanded that their membership be cancelled for violation of the constitutional mandate.
Putting their arguments before the Legislative Council chairman, the delegation demanded that both the elected members be declared disqualified under the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution and that their membership be annulled.
In the memorandum, the party said that the switchover of MLCs to the BJP amounted to a brazen violation of the provisions of the anti-defection law.
Notably, Vanshidhar Brajvasi was elected from the Tirhut Graduates’ constituency while Dr Rahul Raj won from Saran Teachers’ constituency, both as independent candidates.
The raging controversy over two Independent MLCs switching sides with the BJP has already led to unease in the NDA alliance, with allies including JD(U) expressing reservations against the move. Following the uproar, the state BJP unit sought to clarify that the two MLCs only offered support and did not join the party, as reported.
The controversy is far from dying out. A day ago, Prashant Kishor-led Jan Suraaj party filed a petition seeking their disqualification for unethical and unparliamentary conduct.
On Wednesday, the RJD asserted its demand for ensuring probity in public life. The party delegation is learnt to have submitted records and evidence of their ‘assimilation’ into the ruling party.
The RJD has demanded that the proceedings to disqualify two Independent MLCs be concluded without any unnecessary delay and that they be provided with a written communication regarding the House Chairman’s final decision.
–IANS
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