Bihar Congress relocates MLAs to prevent poaching ahead of trust vote
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In a move ahead of the crucial trust vote scheduled for February 12, the Congress party in Bihar has relocated 16 out of its 19 MLAs to Hyderabad in a bid to shield them from potential poaching.
The decision comes amidst heightened concerns within the party about possible attempts by the BJP to sway its legislators, potentially destabilizing the Mahagathbandhan alliance.
The ruling coalition in Bihar, consisting of the Janata Dal (United), BJP, Hindustani Awam Morcha, and an independent legislator, currently commands a comfortable majority in the 253-member House with 128 MLAs. However, the Congress leadership remains wary of alleged BJP manoeuvres to lure its MLAs away, especially in the wake of recent political developments.
Sources within the Bihar Congress revealed that apprehensions about potential defections grew following the recent visit of Rahul Gandhi, leader of the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, to the state on January 29 and 30. These concerns were further exacerbated by reports suggesting Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's readiness to defect and forge an alliance with the BJP.
Responding to these claims, senior BJP leader and Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha dismissed the allegations as unfounded, accusing the Congress of unfairly controlling its MLAs. He urged the Congress leadership to place trust in its legislators.
Former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bupesh Baghel was dispatched to Patna as a special observer amid reports of difficulties in contacting some Congress MLAs
Meanwhile, in Jharkhand, Congress and Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) MLAs who were temporarily relocated to Hyderabad following Hemant Soren's resignation as Chief Minister have returned to Ranchi. Their return comes ahead of the impending floor test in the Jharkhand Assembly.
The political landscape in Bihar and Jharkhand remains fluid, with the Congress and its allies navigating a complex web of alliances and potential defections amidst mounting pressure and uncertainty.