A representational image of a congress flag. (File Photo| PTI)
PATNA: Two BJP dissident MPs in Bihar, Shatrughan Sinha and Kirti Azad, have dropped hints that they may switch sides and contest the Lok Sabha polls as candidates of RJD and Congress, respectively.
Sinha is a two-term MP from Patna Saheb constituency. Azad is a three-term MP from Darbhanga in north Bihar. Both leaders have stepped up their attacks on the BJP in recent months.
“I will contest from Darbhanga and certainly from a national party,” said Azad on Thursday, “One must admit that Rahul Gandhi is a very effective leader who is raising the issues concerning the common people forcefully. Under his leadership, the Congress is regaining lost ground. This must sound like alarm bells for those who are in power.”
While ruling JD(U) hosted an iftar party in Patna on Wednesday, Sinha chose to attend the party hosted by the opposition RJD. Flanked by RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav’s sons Tejashwi and Tej Pratap Yadav. Sinha had animated conversations with them and their sister Misa Bharti. Bharti openly extended an invitation to Sinha to join RJD and contest for the Patna Saheb seat.
Describing Sinha as a “very respected leader,” Tejashwi said anyone would want him in his party. “In the end, the decision lies with him.”
Sinha, however, did not comment on his likely next step. Annoyed at Sinha’s actions and words, Bihar BJP president Nityanand Rai said, “His time is coming near. Just wait for the time when action is taken”.
