Patna: The upcoming Assembly session on February 12 will witness the new NDA government in Bihar showcasing its majority. In the lead-up to this crucial event, political activities in the state have gained momentum. Following a meeting at the residence of former Deputy CM Tejashwi Yadav on Saturday, RJD MLAs from the opposition have reportedly been halted.
Media reports suggest that a gathering of RJD MLAs took place at Tejashwi Yadav's residence at 3 pm on Saturday. Subsequently, security was heightened around the residence, with journalists being denied entry. After the meeting, bags belonging to the MLAs were observed arriving at Tejashwi Yadav's residence. It has been alleged that cultural programs were arranged for the entertainment of the MLAs. Manoj Jha, the party spokesperson and Rajya Sabha MP, conveyed that the MLAs expressed a collective desire to stay together for the next 48 hours, emphasizing their unity and determination.
JDU MLAs also gathered at a Bhoj organised by one of the MLAs. Nitish Kumar also marked his presence there. A three-line whip also has been issued by the JDU to its MLAs. On the other hand, in a supportive stance, Jitan Ram Manjhi, the chief of Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM) within the NDA, clarified that all four of his MLAs are backing the NDA government and are prepared to vote in favor of the Nitish government in the upcoming floor test if necessary. Dismissing speculations of poaching attempts by the RJD, a JDU MLA asserted that there is no question of any 'Khela' (game), highlighting the presence of all MLAs at the meeting.
Addressing rumors of some MLAs being 'missing', another JDU MLA explained that they had already informed about their absence at the Bhoj and assured that they are not out of the country. Overall, the NDA, led by the BJP, currently holds 128 seats in the Bihar assembly, with the BJP having 78 seats, JDU with 45 seats, Hindustan Awam Morcha (HAM) with 4 seats, and 1 independent MLA. The opposition holds 114 seats and a total of 122 seats are required for a majority in the upcoming floor test.
