In a major setback for Janata Dal United in Arunachal Pradesh, six of its seven MLAs have joined the ruling BJP, said a bulletin issued by the state legislature. The JD (U) is an ally of the BJP and together they rule the state of Bihar.
The JD (U) MLA who switched sides are Talem Taboh from the Rumgong Assembly constituency, Hayeng Mangfi (Chayang Tajo), Jikke Tako (Tali), Dorjee Wangdi Kharma (Kalaktang), Dongru Siongju (Bomdila) and Kanggong Taku from the Mariyang-Geku constituency, the bulletin read. In early November, the JD (U) had issued Proof of Cause notices to Siongju, Kharma and Taku for “anti-party” activities and suspended them.
All six JD (U) MLAs had previously elected Talem Taboh as the new Legislative Party leader, allegedly without the knowledge of senior party members.
The only MLA from the Arunachal People’s Party (PPA), Kardo Nyigyor from the Likabali constituency, will also join the saffron party. The PPA MLA was also suspended by the regional team earlier this month.
“We have accepted your letters that convey the intention to join the party,” PTI quoted BJP Arunachal Pradesh president BR Waghe as saying.
The JD (U), led by Bihar’s chief minister Nitish Kumar, won seven of the 15 seats it contested in the 2019 assembly elections and emerged as the second largest party after the BJP, which had amassed 41 seats. .
Following the change, the BJP now has 48 MLAs in the 60-member House, while the JD (U) is left with just one. Congress and the National People’s Party (PNP) have four members each.
Nitish Friday sought to minimize the division. “We are focusing on our proposed meeting. They have gone their own way, ”Kumar said in response to questions from journalists about the split that occurred ahead of the JD (U) national executive and national council meetings scheduled here this weekend.
Meanwhile, the Opposition in Bihar, Congress-RJD, said that the development of Arunachal hinted at the shape of things to come in Bihar. “The BJP, by violating coalition dharma, has tried to send a clear message that it doesn’t give a damn about Nitish Kumar, who, on the other hand, is wary of even reacting,” said RJD National Vice President Shivanand Tiwary, in your statement.
(With PTI inputs)
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