Bihar BJP to discuss its strategy for Rajya Sabha polls

Patna, Jun 18: The

legislature party will meet at the former deputy chief minister Sushil Kumar Modi's residence later this evening to chalk out its strategy for the Rajya Sabha bypoll on Thursday.

Rebel MLAs in the JD(U) are seeking to embarrass the ruling party candidates, Pawan Verma and Gulam Rasool Baliyawi, in the bypoll to two Rajya Sabha seats in the state by throwing their weight behind the two Independent candidates, Anil Sharma and Sabir Ali.

"We will discuss our strategy for the Rajya Sabha bypoll this evening and take our stand by taking into account developments in the JD(U) and RJD," a senior BJP leader told PTI on condition of anonymity.

He said that the state BJP is closely keeping a tab on the RJD legislature party meeting underway at the former chief minister Rabri Devi's official residence and the stand the party supremo Lalu Prasad takes whether or not to back the JD(U) candidates in tomorrow's Rajya Sabha bypoll.

"We are also watching developments in the ruling JD(U) camp and keeping an eye on the number of disgruntled ruling party MLAs who will be backing the two Independent candidates during voting tomorrow," the BJP leader said.

Although the BJP legislature party meeting will take place as scheduled this evening, it may so happen that the party may not disclose its strategy keeping the rival contenders on tenterhook till the very last minute, he said.

The Bihar BJP's 'wait and watch' stand is likely to keep both the JD(U) leadership and the rebel group with about 20 MLAs on tenterhooks till the actual voting takes place tomorrow in the state legislature premises.

The BJP has 84 MLAs, while the ruling JD(U) has 117 MLAs, but about 20 of them have turned rebels under the leadership of Barh MLA Gyanendra Singh Gyanu.

PTI