Ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, parties are swiftly issuing tickets to leaders who have switched sides. From JD(U) to RJD, all parties are showing confidence in such candidates during ticket distribution.
The candidates who have switched parties:
RJD:
– Abhay Kushwaha from Aurangabad (Joined RJD from JD(U))
– Beema Bharati from Purnia (Joined RJD from JD(U))
JD(U):
– Lovely Anand from Sheohar (Joined JD(U) from RJD)
– Vijaya Lakshmi Devi from Siwan (Joined JD(U) from RLSP)
BJP:
– Rajbhushan Nishad from Muzaffarpur (Joined BJP from VIP)
These candidates have made notable switches, prompting parties to trust them with tickets immediately.
Abhay Kushwaha, RJD’s Candidate from Aurangabad
For the first phase of Lok Sabha elections in Bihar, four constituencies – Aurangabad, Gaya, Nawada, and Jamui are up for grabs. The nomination process for these seats has concluded, with a total of 72 candidates filing their papers. In Aurangabad, RJD has nominated Abhay Kushwaha, who recently joined from JD(U). Despite pressure from Congress, Kushwaha secured the ticket.
Beema Bharati, RJD’s Symbol from Purnia
Moving to the second phase, Bihar will witness elections in five constituencies: Kishanganj, Katihar, Purnia, Bhagalpur, and Banka. In Purnia, RJD has allocated the symbol to Beema Bharati, causing friction with Congress. Despite Congress leader Pappu Yadav’s readiness to contest from Purnia, RJD’s decision ended his chances. However, speculations suggest that Pappu Yadav may still file his nomination.
Lovely Anand, JD(U) Ticket Holder from Sheohar
JD(U) has also granted tickets to two leaders who switched parties just before the elections. Among them, Lovely Anand, wife of former MP Bahubali Anand, joined JD(U) from RJD and received a ticket from Sheohar, where the sixth phase of voting will occur. Her son Chetan Anand, a JD(U) MLA, has shown support for the ruling party during the Monsoon Session of the Bihar Assembly.
Vijaya Lakshmi Devi, JD(U) Candidate from Siwan
In the sixth phase of Lok Sabha elections, voting will take place in Siwan. JD(U) has nominated Vijaya Lakshmi Devi, who left Rashtriya Lok Samata Party (RLSP) to join JD(U). She is the wife of Ramesh Kushwaha, former state president of RLSP, who also joined JD(U).
Rajbhushan Nishad, BJP’s Nominee from Muzaffarpur
BJP has allocated a ticket to Rajbhushan Nishad from Muzaffarpur. Nishad contested the 2019 Lok Sabha elections on the ticket of Mukesh Sahni’s party, Vikassheel Insaan Party (VIP), before joining BJP.
Reason for Issuing Tickets to Candidates Switching Parties
Parties are banking on candidates who have switched sides, considering their prospects of victory. They believe that a significant portion of voters will support these leaders.
More Potential Party Switches Expected
Announcements for candidates in several constituencies are pending, particularly from RJD and Congress. As the nomination deadline approaches, sidelined MPs are in touch with other parties. The likelihood of party switches is expected to increase as the nomination dates draw closer.