'Bihar Battle Between BJP, RJD': Rabri Devi Claims Poaching Bids, Says ‘Writing On Wall’ For Nitish

Former Bihar CM Rabri Devi, who is also the wife of RJD's founding president Lalu Prasad suggested that Bihar CM Kumar should "see the writing on the wall."

Former Bihar CM Rabri Devi emphasised that the defection of MLAs from her RJD party and ally Congress should be a cause of concern for the JD(U) president Nitish Kumar, who recently allied with the BJP.  

Rabri Devi, who is the wife of RJD's founding president Lalu Prasad suggested that Kumar should "see the writing on the wall." and, also alleged that the BJP was enticing her party's MLAs because they perceived the political battle in Bihar as being between the RJD and BJP.

"It is now RJD versus BJP in Bihar. There is no third force of consequence. This is something the BJP knows, a reason why it is trying to wean away our people," said the RJD national vice president, as reported by PTI.

"But we are not worried. If there is anybody who needs to worry, it is Nitish Kumar. He needs to see the writing on the wall. It is not for nothing that the BJP is trying to increase its own strength in the assembly," she also said.

Notably, Rabri Devi made her remarks the day after Mukesh Raushan, an MLA for her party, claimed that the BJP would cause a rift in the JD(U) to remove Kumar, the state's longest-serving chief minister if it had enough MLAs on its side. Rabri Devi seemed to agree with the disagreement and said, "You just need to look at what the BJP has been doing in other states." During the past few weeks, two Congress and four RJD MLAs have joined the NDA, respectively. Though there are many rumors that they will soon formally join the BJP, none of them have done so as of yet, PTI reported.

Congress Seeks Disqualification Of Its MLAs 

The Congress filed an application before Speaker Nand Kishor Yadav on Wednesday, seeking the disqualification of its MLAs Murari Gautam and Siddharth Saurav. Rabri Devi stated that her party was planning to do the same for RJD MLAs Chetan Anand, Neelam Devi, and Prahlad Yadav, all of whom crossed over on the day Nitish Kumar won a trust vote, and Sangita Kumari, who did the same a few days prior.

According to the PTI, Rabri Devi said, "We will try to keep our flock together. But those who have made up their mind to switch sides should first resign their membership of the assembly. They should be ashamed of what they are doing. I wonder how the Speaker can allow this." The RJD leader also rejected the allegations of some defectors that those who are not from the Yadav caste are not getting any benefit in the party.

"It is utter nonsense. Be it the extremely backward classes or the Dalits, the RJD has given respect to all. No other party has rewarded sweepers, stone-cutters, and labourers with berths in the state legislature or cabinet," she also said.

In the 243-member assembly, the NDA enjoys the support of 134 MLAs, including the six defectors. The BJP, on its own, accounts for 78 MLAs, as against only 45 of JD(U). The ruling coalition government also includes four MLAs of ex-CM Jitan Ram Manjhi's HAM and an Independent.

The JD(U) supremo abruptly called off the alliance and joined the NDA a month ago, leaving the RJD, the only party with 79 MLAs before it was destroyed by defections, in power.

Regarding rumors that the chief minister will be traveling overseas the following week, Rabri Devi was also questioned. She said, tongue in cheek, "I wish him the best of luck. He might do well to settle abroad. Not much is left for him here."