Bihar trust vote today: Police surround Tejashwi Yadav's residence, RJD criticises Nitish
PTC News Desk: In anticipation of a pivotal floor test in the Bihar assembly on Monday, tension mounts as Chief Minister Nitish Kumar forms a new government in alliance with the NDA.
Heavy police presence encircles the residence of former Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav in Patna on Sunday night. The residence is where Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) MLAs are currently lodged, just a day before the crucial floor test for the Nitish Kumar-led NDA government. The heightened security measures follow allegations from the family members of RJD MLA Chetan Yadav, who claim he was "kidnapped" by members of Lalu Prasad Yadav's party.
In a recent video shared by news agency ANI, a significant number of police personnel are observed moving towards Tejashwi Yadav's residence, establishing a cordon around the area.
Responding to this development, the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) issued an official statement on social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter), criticizing Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. The RJD accused Kumar of deploying police forces out of fear of losing the government. The party alleged that the security forces intended to enter Tejashwi Yadav's residence and engage in misconduct with the MLAs. They emphasized that the people of Bihar are witnessing the actions of Kumar and the police.
#WATCH | Bihar: Heavy security force present outside the residence of former deputy CM and RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, in Patna.
The Floor Test of the NDA government led by CM Nitish Kumar will be held in the Assembly today, February 12. pic.twitter.com/FEs87U0vin — ANI (@ANI) February 11, 2024
The RJD further asserted that they are not intimidated and will continue their ideological struggle, confident that justice-loving citizens of Bihar will oppose police oppression.
RJD spokesperson Shakti Singh Yadav highlighted the unprecedented nature of such police deployment before a floor test, stating that it has never occurred in any state in independent India's history. He criticized the BJP, implying a double standard in how political meetings are perceived, depending on the party involved.
On the other hand, BJP leader Shahnawaz Hussain responded to claims of an RJD MLA's family alleging kidnapping, suggesting that if Tejashwi Yadav restrains any MLA in his residence, police intervention is warranted. Hussain dismissed the RJD and Congress's concerns, asserting that the JD(U) and BJP would collectively prove their majority in the Assembly. He reassured that all NDA MLAs are united and urged the opposition to focus on their own missing legislators rather than spreading confusion about NDA members.
Also Read: Imran Khan-backed independents lead Pakistan polls; govt formation talks begin
Also Read: Qatar frees 8 Indian Navy men accused of espionage; 7 return home
Today marks a crucial moment for Bihar as a pivotal floor test is set to take place in the state assembly. This comes just days after Nitish Kumar's decision to break away from the 'Mahagathbandhan' coalition and establish a new government with the NDA. Notably, Kumar was sworn in as Chief Minister for an unprecedented ninth term on January 28.
नीतीश कुमार ने सरकार जाने के डर से हजारों की संख्या में पुलिस भेज तेजस्वी जी के आवास को चारों तरफ़ से घेर लिया है। ये किसी भी तरह से किसी भी बहाने आवास के अंदर घुस कर विधायकों के साथ अप्रिय घटना करना चाहते है। बिहार की जनता नीतीश कुमार और पुलिस के कुकर्म देख रही है।
याद रहे हम… — Rashtriya Janata Dal (@RJDforIndia) February 11, 2024
In anticipation of the trust vote, the ruling party led by Nitish Kumar, the JD(U), made arrangements to relocate its MLAs to the Chanakya Hotel in Patna early Monday morning. This strategic move underscores the importance of ensuring the presence and unity of party members ahead of the critical parliamentary procedure.
At present, the ruling NDA alliance in Bihar commands a total of 128 MLAs out of the 243-member assembly. This comprises 45 MLAs from JD(U), 79 from BJP and the Hindustani Awam Morcha-Secular (HAM-S) coalition, along with an independent MLA. On the other hand, the 'Mahagathbandhan' holds a total of 115 MLAs. It's worth noting that to secure a majority and form a government, a party or coalition needs to reach the critical mark of 122 MLAs in the House.
Also Read: 3 killed, 20 hurt as milk truck hits cars at Sikkim fair
Also Read: Haryana turns stadiums into jails for farmers' 'Delhi Chalo' march
(Inputs from agencies)
-
