RJD shuts its doors to Mukesh Sahani

Patna, March 24 (IANS) A day after all three MLAs of the Vikassheel Insan Party (VIP) joined the BJP, the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) has given an indication that its doors are also shut for beleaguered party chief Mukesh Sahani.

Former Chief Minister Rabri Devi said: "Whatever he sowed, he is reaping the same."

Her reference was to the run-up of the 2020 Assembly election when Sahani, who was then the RJD-led Mahagathbandhan, left all parties' joint press conference held in a Patna hotel, accusing RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav of back-stabbing him. On the same day, he went to New Delhi, met Home Minister Amit Shah and switched over to the NDA.

The BJP had given his VIP 11 seats from its own quota and it managed to win four, though Sahani lost himself. The NDA government accommodated him in the Legislative Council and on this basis, he bagged a ministry in the Nitish Kumar government.

Meanwhile, Sahani, who is the Animal Husbandry and Fisheries Minister, said that he would not quit on his own.

"I would not resign from the post. The Chief Minister would decide my fate. It is his special privilege," he said.

Sahani came to the Assembly and sat near to cabinet minister Ram Surat Rai and Jibesh Mishra, though neither interacted with him. Sahani himself focussed on his mobile phone.

"I knew about the consequences. In the last 4 months, I was humiliated by a particular party's leader. They were angry at me as I was gaining good political ground in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.

"I was working for Nishadh reservation and my fight will continue. I am not afraid of anyone and I will contest in the Bochahan by-election and MLC election for the 24 seats with full strength," Sahani said.

Meanwhile, BJP OBC Morcha's national General Secretary cum Bihar BJP spokesperson Dr. Nikhil Anand said that the BJP has heartfelt respect for the parties involved in the NDA alliance and their top leaders.

However, in any alliance, it is the duty of all the partners to play an equal role in making it strong, but Sahani has destroyed the essence, ethos and decorum of the alliance, he added

"Mukesh Sahani contested the elections in Uttar Pradesh... it was not a big deal but he constantly made malicious and unfortunate personal remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.

"After all, what problem or enmity does Mukesh Sahani have with Narendra Modi ji? Does Mukesh Sahani not believe that Narendra Modi is a symbol of national pride for the most backward communities in India? Sahni should apologise for using abusive words against PM Modi ji and UP CM Yogi ji during Uttar Pradesh elections," Anand said.