Defections Surge in Bihar as Assembly Elections Loom

Patna:  — With the Bihar Assembly elections approaching, political activity in the state is intensifying, and a wave of party-switching among leaders is underway. The Election Commission of India (ECI) has recently released the revised voter list after a Special Intensive Revision (SIR), and officials are scheduled to visit Bihar on October 4 and 5 to finalize election preparations. The announcement of elections is expected soon, with the Model Code of Conduct likely to be enforced post-October 6.

The political battlefield is largely defined by the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and its Mahagathbandhan (Grand Alliance/India Bloc), pitted against Janata Dal (United) [JD(U)] aligned with the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). In addition, over 200 smaller parties, including six new entrants like Prashant Kishor’s Jan Suraj Party, are expected to contest, potentially influencing the election outcome.

Amid this crowded political landscape, defections are accelerating. Prominent Begusarai leader and former Matiyani MLA Bogo Singh recently joined the RJD, enhancing the party’s organizational strength. Singh, who won as an independent in 2005 and later represented JD(U), narrowly lost in 2020 but is now set to contest the upcoming elections under RJD’s banner.

Other notable leaders switching allegiance include Brij Kishore Bind (ex-Chanpur MLA and former minister) and Niranjan Ram (former Mohania MLA), both leaving BJP for RJD under Tejashwi Yadav’s leadership. Similarly, Dr. Achyutanand resigned from LJP (Ram Vilas) to join Congress, and Dr. Renu Kushwaha, formerly associated with JD(U), BJP, and LJP, is now with RJD. Leaders such as Ramchandra Sada, Vinod Kumar Singh, Dr. Ashok Ram, and Dr. Ravindra Charan Yadav have also switched parties, reflecting widespread political reshuffling.

Reacting to these moves, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav termed party-switching as natural but noted that ideologically aligned leaders with social justice values are gravitating toward RJD and the Grand Alliance, while BJP supporters remain loyal to their ideological base. He added that JD(U) under Nitish Kumar is losing credibility, signaling a shift in voter confidence.

JD(U) spokesperson Abhishek Jha countered that defections are routine pre-election events and asserted the party remains strong. BJP’s Prabhakar Mishra emphasized that departures involve leaders with minimal impact and that the party organization is robust. Congress spokesperson Snehashish Vardhan claimed that more leaders from the ruling side are expected to join the Mahagathbandhan, signaling growing opposition confidence.

Political analysts note that such defections are driven by factors like ticket guarantees, assessment of power equations, dissatisfaction with party leadership, and regional or caste considerations. While the shift appears to benefit RJD and the Grand Alliance, it could weaken JD(U) and BJP at the grassroots. For voters, frequent party-switching often sends mixed signals, highlighting the tension between ideology and political expediency.

As the electoral battle heats up, the ongoing wave of defections in Bihar is expected to continue, shaping alliances and local dynamics in the lead-up to the Assembly elections. The true impact on votes and party fortunes will be revealed only at the ballot box.

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