Jan Suraaj Seeks Disqualification of Two Independent MLCs Over Joining BJP
Prashant Kishor's Jan Suraaj Party has asked the Bihar legislative council chairman to disqualify two Independent MLCs for joining the BJP.
At a glance
- The Jan Suraaj Party petitioned the Bihar legislative council chairman to disqualify MLCs Bansidhar Brajwasi and Rahul Raj.
- The party argues that joining a political party after winning as Independents violates constitutional provisions.
- BJP spokespersons have alternatively claimed the MLCs only extended support rather than officially joining.
The Jan Suraaj Party, led by Prashant Kishor, has asked the Bihar legislative council to unseat two newly elected members. A delegation met the council chairman on Monday to present a formal petition.
The move targets MLCs Bansidhar Brajwasi and Rahul Raj, who won the Tirhut Graduates' and Saran Teachers' seats as Independents before publicly associating with the BJP.
The grounds for disqualification
Jan Suraaj leaders Kishor Kumar Munna and Rambali Singh Chandravanshi, alongside counsel Partha Sarathi, submitted documents to Chairman Ram Bachan Rai. Munna told reporters that the lawmakers violated Article 191 of the Constitution by joining the BJP less than 72 hours after their election.
The delegation provided affidavits, media reports, and video evidence of the induction ceremony. Partha Sarathi argued that combining Article 191 with the Tenth Schedule mandates disqualification.
Conflicting stances from the ruling camp
While Brajwasi and Raj previously admitted to joining the ruling party and posed with membership materials, BJP spokespersons attempted to defuse the situation. They claimed the legislators merely extended support rather than formally joining.
Meanwhile, Jan Suraaj representatives criticized the ruling party's actions, and warned that they would approach the Supreme Court if the council chairman fails to rule within three months.
Political implications in Bihar
This petition highlights ongoing friction within the state's political landscape following the recent biennial upper house elections. Both disputed MLCs won their seats by defeating candidates from the JD(U), an ally of the BJP.
The outcome of this petition will test the enforcement of anti-defection principles regarding independent candidates in state legislatures, setting a notable precedent for future legislative disputes.
What to watch: The decision of the Bihar legislative council chairman on the disqualification petition.
Reporting from: Hindustan Times. Spotted an error? Tell us.
- Prashant Kishor
- Jan Suraaj Party
- Bihar Legislative Council
- BJP
- JD(U)
- India
- Politics