World · India Bureau
Two Independent MLCs Join BJP in Bihar Political Realignment
Independent members of Bihar's Legislative Council Rahul Raj and Banshidhar Brajwasi have switched to the Bharatiya Janata Party, marking another shift in the state's fractious political landscape.
LSN India ·

Two independent MLCs in Bihar have joined the Bharatiya Janata Party, signaling continued political realignments in the state's upper house. Rahul Raj and Banshidhar Brajwasi formally switched their political affiliation to the saffron party, strengthening BJP's position in the Legislative Council.
Rahul Raj, who represents the teachers' seat from Saran district, had previously contested on a JDU ticket before being expelled from the party. He subsequently won his MLC seat as an independent candidate, securing victory over his former party's nominee.
The inductions come as part of broader political consolidations across Bihar, where no single party commands an overwhelming majority. The move is expected to bolster BJP's strength in legislative proceedings within the upper house.
The defections reflect the fluid nature of Bihar politics, where alliance dynamics frequently shift and legislators often change party affiliations. Such transitions are not uncommon in the state's Legislative Council, where independent members frequently realign with major national or regional parties.