BJP Criticizes Congress For Shifting MLAs Ahead of Crucial Floor Test in Bihar

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) criticized the Congress for relocating its MLAs from Bihar to Hyderabad ahead of the crucial floor test for the newly elected NDA government in the state scheduled for February 12.

Bihar Deputy CM Vijay Sinha expressed his disapproval, stating that the Congress’s decision “reflects the mindset of the Congress party.” Sinha emphasized the importance of trust in MLAs and accused Congress of treating them like labourers, noting that such an approach was not in line with the BJP’s character.

Concerns of poaching in Bihar prompted the Congress to move 17 out of its 19 MLAs to Siri Nature’s Valley Resort in Kagazghat village, located in Telangana’s Rangareddy district, on Sunday. However, Bihar Congress MLA Siddharth Saurav explained that he chose not to join the group heading to Hyderabad due to ongoing responsibilities in his constituency.

The floor test, necessitated by the Janata Dal (United) leaving the Mahagathbandhan on February 28 to rejoin the NDA, is slated for February 12. With the support of 128 legislators, including 45 from JD(U), 78 from the BJP, four from HAM, and one independent, the NDA is expected to pass the floor test.

During a meeting convened by Mallikarjun Kharge on Saturday, Bikram MLA Siddharth Saurav and Manihari MLA Manohar Prasad Singh were absent, prompting concerns within the Congress. Saurav also did not participate in the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra led by Congress leaders between January 29 and 31.

Anonymously cited party leaders revealed suspicions that the JD(U) and BJP are eager to instigate a rebellion within the opposition alliance, especially within the Congress, possibly to strengthen their numerical position in the assembly. This strategy is considered a precautionary measure, particularly in case the Hindustani Awam Morcha-Secular (HAM-S) poses challenges, fueled by leader Jitan Ram Manjhi’s discontent over the denial of an additional berth in the newly constituted Nitish Kumar cabinet.

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