Two Independent MLCs defect to BJP after defeating JD(U) in Bihar polls
· India · The Hindu, Times of India, Hindustan Times
Rahul Raj and Banshidhar Brajwasi, elected as Independent candidates from Saran Teachers and Tirhut Graduate constituencies, extended support to the ruling BJP on October 31, 2026. Both Independents had defeated Janata Dal-United candidates: Brajwasi won by over 9,000 votes and Raj by 1,800 votes. Rahul Raj is a former BJP worker who was denied MLC candidature this time under the ruling coalition's dharma. The BJP legislature meeting was attended by the two newly-elected MLCs.
Why it matters
The defections of two Independents who unseated JD(U) candidates weaken the ruling alliance's position in the Bihar legislative council and bolster the BJP's numbers ahead of future floor tests.
Read the original report — The Hindu
Join us on Telegram
Breaking news the moment it lands. At 10,000 members we ship the Android app.