Political tumult continues in Bihar even after Nitish's government passed the floor test. While RJD leaders are accused of offering 10 crore rupees to poach JD(U) legislators, news emerges that JDU's Bima Bharti's husband has been arrested.
Awadhesh Mandal, spouse of JDU legislator Bima Bharti, is now under arrest for allegedly harboring illegal weapons. Reports shed light on an earlier custody by the police on Monday, a move believed to be a ploy against Bharti.
Note that Bima Bharti was one of the five legislators that the party had lost contact with in recent days, fueling suspicions of a defection to the RJD.
Speculations of Bima Bharti's Rebellion
Speculation was rife in the Bihar Assembly ahead of the confidence vote that JD(U) legislator Bima Bharti might rebel. It was believed that RJD plotted to overthrow the Nitish government with the aid of 8 NDA legislators — five from JD(U), three from BJP.
Alongside Bima Bharti were JD(U) representatives Manoj Yadav, Sudarshan, Dr. Sanjeev, and Dilip Rai, while the BJP cohort included Rashmi Verma, Bhagirathi Devi, and Mishrilal Yadav.
But by Sunday night, NDA anticipated foul play, prompting a rescue operation for the government. JD(U) legislators Dr. Sanjeev, Sudarshan, and Manoj Yadav were promptly located by morning.
Allegations of a 10 Crore Rupee Offer to Split JD(U) Legislators
JD(U) representative Sudhanshu Shekhar filed a case against RJD leaders, alleging offers of 10 crore rupees each to fracture the JD(U)'s ranks. According to the complaint, a proposal included an upfront payment of five crores and a later installment of the remaining amount.
Charges include offers made by Tejashwi Yadav's associate, engineer Sunil. The complaint also mentioned offers of ministerial positions in addition to the cash.
It's worth mentioning that Nitish Kumar won the vote of confidence in the assembly, with 129 votes in NDA's favor. Three RJD legislators engaged in cross-voting, while the opposition walked out before the voting commenced.
