Hours before a crucial floor test in Bihar’s assembly, senior police officers made a late-night visit to the residence of former Bihar Deputy Chief Minister and RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav. This visit came in response to allegations of ‘kidnapping’ made by RJD MLA Chetan Anand’s family. The unfolding events shed light on the intense political maneuvering ahead of the trust vote.
Police Visit Amid Allegations
On Sunday night, police visited Tejashwi Yadav’s plush residence following a complaint lodged with Patna Police. The complaint, filed by family members of RJD MLA Chetan Anand, alleged that he was ‘missing’ and possibly being held against his will at Yadav’s residence. However, upon police arrival, Chetan Anand clarified that he was present at Yadav’s residence voluntarily.Tension Escalates
The arrival of police at Tejashwi Yadav’s bungalow led to heightened tension in the area, with a significant deployment of security personnel to maintain order. RJD supporters gathered outside the residence, expressing anger and chanting slogans.
In response to the incident, the RJD accused Chief Minister Nitish Kumar of orchestrating the police visit to disrupt their preparations for the floor test. The BJP, on the other hand, dismissed these allegations, emphasizing their confidence in proving the NDA government’s majority.Reacting to the incident, the RJD took to X and alleged that Chief Minister Nitish Kumar sent police to Tejashwi Yadav’s residence, fearing his defeat in the floor test.”They want to enter inside the residence and do untoward incidents with the MLAs. The people of Bihar are watching the misdeeds of Nitish Kumar and the police. Remember, we are not among those who fear and bow down,” the party wrote in Hindi.Political Dynamics Ahead of Floor Test
As the trust vote looms, both alliances are rallying their members. The Mahagathbandhan, comprising RJD, Congress, and Left parties, is asserting its unity with 114 MLAs. Meanwhile, the NDA government, led by Nitish Kumar, claims a majority with 128 members.
Reports of ‘missing’ MLAs from both camps add to the intrigue surrounding the floor test. The NDA asserts its readiness, buoyed by JD(U) issuing a whip for all MLAs to be present. Additionally, BJP MLAs, previously housed in a Bodh Gaya resort, have returned to Patna.
Leaders from both sides exude confidence in their respective camps’ strength. JD(U) MLA Shalini Mishra reaffirmed the NDA’s solidarity, while BJP leader Haribhushan Thakur projected a comfortable victory in the floor test.
Janata Dal-United (JD-U) MLA Shalini Mishra, who did not attend the party meeting, said that she went to Delhi for some personal work.
The JD-U MLA also asserted that the NDA alliance led by CM Nitish Kumar will win the floor test with full force, which is set to take place tomorrow.
“There was nothing to doubt about this. I had gone to Delhi after informing the party leadership of some personal work and today I have returned. I want to say that NDA will pass the floor test with full force and we will work for the development of Bihar. No MLA has been put under house arrest. Everyone has freedom and this shows how secure and safe we are under the leadership of CM Nitish Kumar,” she said.
JD-U leader KC Tyagi said, the “kind of fear and insecurity present in the RJD-Congress camp shows how unstable both parties are. This time, the opposition will have nothing to cheer about”.
JD-U MLA Zama Khan said, “All MLAs have come.”
Another party MLA Vinay Kumar Choudhary told ANI, “We are safe under the leadership of CM Nitish Kumar…It is confirmed (passing the floor test).”
BJP leader Haribhushan Thakur said, “We will win the floor test with a comfortable margin. Nitish Kumar will remain our CM with two Deputy CMs and this govt will complete its term… Jitan Ram Manjhi is with us…”
Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM) leader Jitan Ram Manjhi said that all MLAs (BJP, JD-U, HAM) will be present tomorrow and PM Modi has done a good job by bringing CM Nitish Kumar into his team.
“Everybody is intact in NDA. We have 128 members and this figure may increase because today everybody holds PM Modi’s leadership in high regard. He has done a very good job by bringing Nitish Kumar with him. Our experiment will be successful on 40 Lok Sabha seats in Bihar. All MLAs (BJP, JD-U, HAM) will be present tomorrow,” he said.
The Upcoming Trust Vote
The Bihar assembly braces for a crucial trust vote on Monday, determining the fate of the NDA government. With political tensions running high, all eyes are on the assembly as the drama unfolds in the quest for majority support.
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