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Key Points

Two RJD MLAs caused a political stir by appearing on stage with PM Modi during his Bodh Gaya rally. Vibha Devi's presence follows her husband's recent acquittal in a POCSO case, while Prakash Veer has been reportedly unhappy with his party. The RJD downplayed the incident as typical election-season behavior, while the BJP called it a non-political official event. This follows previous RJD defections that reduced their strength from 75 to 73 MLAs in the assembly.

Key Points: RJD MLAs Vibha Devi Prakash Veer Join PM Modi Stage Spark Defection Buzz

  • Vibha Devi is wife of former RJD MLA acquitted in POCSO case
  • Prakash Veer reportedly disgruntled with RJD leadership
  • BJP distances itself calling it PM's official event
  • RJD downplays incident as common during election season
2 min read

Bihar: Two RJD MLAs on stage with PM Modi sparks 'defection' buzz

Two RJD MLAs appear on stage with PM Modi and Nitish Kumar in Bodh Gaya, fueling intense speculation about their possible defection to NDA ahead of Bihar polls.

"Those facing corruption or criminal charges become ‘clean’ once they join the BJP - Mritunjay Tiwari, RJD Spokesperson"

Patna, Aug 22

The presence of two RJD MLAs on the stage during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s rally in Bodh Gaya has sparked the ‘defection’ buzz in the state politics on Friday.

The two legislators in question are Vibha Devi, MLA from Nawada, and Prakash Veer, MLA from Rajauli in Nawada district.

Their presence on PM Modi’s dais, alongside Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and other NDA leaders, has fuelled speculation that both are preparing to switch sides ahead of the polls.

Vibha Devi, wife of former RJD MLA Rajballabh Yadav, has been in the news since her husband’s recent acquittal by the Patna High Court in a POCSO case.

Speculation about her joining the BJP had been growing, and her appearance on the stage is now being seen as confirmation of her possible defection.

Prakash Veer, meanwhile, has reportedly been disgruntled with the RJD leadership.

Reacting to the development, RJD spokesperson Mritunjay Tiwari downplayed the significance of the incident, saying that during elections, leaders generally shift sides, and Friday’s incident is not a big concern for his party.

“Those facing corruption or criminal charges become ‘clean’ once they join the BJP. Vibha Devi’s husband was booked under rape with a minor girl and now acquitted, and suddenly everything is whitewashed,” he said.

Mritunjay Tiwari added that Pakash Veer has been indulging in anti-party activities, and if he wants to part ways with the RJD, no one will stop him.

BJP, however, distanced itself from the controversy, saying that it was a Prime Minister’s event, not a party function, and anyone can attend the function.

“Narendra Modi is the Prime Minister of the country, and Nitish Kumar is the Chief Minister of Bihar. They represent the nation and the state. The presence of the two RJD MLAs should not be politicised,” said BJP Spokesperson Arvind Kumar Singh.

During Nitish Kumar’s floor test earlier in February last year, four RJD MLAs - Prahlad Yadav, Chetan Anand, Neelam Devi, and Sangeeta Kumari - had switched sides, with Sangeeta later heading towards the BJP.

RJD, which had won 75 seats in 2020, has been reduced to 73 MLAs following some defections. The MLAs had switched to the NDA, while Belaganj and Ramgarh were lost in the by-elections.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
The timing is suspicious. Her husband gets acquitted and suddenly she's sharing stage with PM Modi. Public can see through these political games.
A
Arjun K
BJP spokesperson has a point - it was PM's event, not party function. But let's be real, in election season everything is political. They knew what message this sends.
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Sarah B
The RJD spokesperson's comment about "becoming clean after joining BJP" is quite telling. This culture of accepting tainted politicians needs to stop across all parties.
Vikram M
RJD should focus on strengthening their party rather than complaining. If MLAs are leaving, there must be internal issues they need to address.
N
Nikhil C
Ultimately, it's the people of Bihar who suffer when politicians play these musical chairs. They should focus on development work rather than switching parties every election.

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