BJP Suspends Bihar Vice-President Rajib Ranjan, Leader Claims He Resigned

Ranjan said he 'resigned' from the party as the BJP in Bihar had completely deviated from Prime Minister Narendra Modi's policies

The Bihar unit of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Friday suspended its vice-president and former MLA Rajib Ranjan for "anti-party activities" for six years, PTI reported. However, Ranjan claimed that he "resigned" from the party's primary membership as the BJP in Bihar had completely deviated from Prime Minister Narendra Modi's policies and ideals.

In a letter issued by BJP's state unit chief Sanjay Jaiswal, the party slammed Ranjan for "continuing with giving statements that went contrary to the party line, ignoring warnings given orally".

"Your utterances have been unbecoming of a state vice president and also adversely affect the party's reputation. You are hereby relieved of your post and suspended from the party for six years," said Jaiswal in the letter.

However, BJP went public with the sacking letter only after Ranjan issued a statement of his resignation. In his statement, Ranjan alleged that the party had become "infested with elements hostile towards Dalits and OBCs".

"The party has deviated from Prime Minister Narendra Modi's call for 'sabka saath sabka Vikas'. In Bihar, the agenda has become Patna-centric. Important districts like my native Nalanda do not figure on the priority list", Ranjan said in the statement.

Ranjan, an outspoken leader, joined the BJP in 2015 after quitting Nitish Kumar's JD(U). Reports said he might rejoin his former party. During his stint with JD(U), Ranjan had represented Islampur assembly segment for two consecutive terms.

Recently, he left BJP red faced by issuing a statement "in personal capacity" in which he disapproved of the party vehemently demanding compensation to victims of hooch tragedy in Saran district.

More than 45 people died in Saran after consuming spurious liquor in 'dry' Bihar. However, the unofficial toll is more than 100.

The remarks had triggered speculations that Ranjan might be thinking of a patch up with the Bihar chief minister. Six months ago, Nitish Kumar had quit the NDA and formed the government with RJD and Congress.

The development comes as a major embarrassment for the state BJP ahead of national president JP Nadda's first Bihar tour, since loss of power, on January 3.