Speculation Grows Over Possible Defection of All Congress MLAs in Bihar to NDA

Patna: Reports suggest that all Congress MLAs in Bihar may resign and join the BJP, triggering a possible split in the party after Makar Sankranti. Bihar Minister and LJP (Ram Vilas) leader Sanjay Singh recently claimed that the Congress would split in the state and that all six Congress MLAs are in touch with NDA leaders.

Following this statement, none of the six Congress MLAs attended the ‘Dahi-Chura’ feast organised by the Congress at Sadaqat Ashram in Patna on Monday, further strengthening speculation about a mass defection. BJP leaders have openly supported Sanjay Singh’s claims.

The rumours gained momentum after Congress MLAs Surendra Prasad and Abhishek Ranjan stayed away from the meeting titled ‘Save Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme’ held on Thursday. Only four Congress MLAs—Manoj Biswas, Abidur Rahman, Kamarul Huda, and Manohar Prasad—participated in the meeting.

“They have certain demands. If those are met, all six Congress MLAs will join the NDA. There is serious dissatisfaction within the Congress against the party leadership. The infighting among Congress workers in Madhubani in the presence of the party president is proof of this,” Sanjay Singh told the media.

The speculation has intensified ahead of a likely cabinet expansion after January 14. Currently, the BJP is the single largest party with 89 MLAs, while the JD(U) has 85 MLAs. If four Congress MLAs join the JD(U), it would bring the party on par with the BJP in the Assembly.

NDA leaders have also claimed that a split is imminent within Lalu Prasad’s RJD as well.