New Delhi, March 17 (NationPress) In the wake of controversy surrounding the absence of its MLAs during the Bihar Rajya Sabha elections, the Congress party on Tuesday accused the BJP of "purchasing" even state governments. The BJP, however, dismissed these allegations, asserting that the opposition needs to better manage its own legislators.

Congress MP Sukhdeo Bhagat remarked to IANS, “The BJP has a history of buying governments; these MLAs are still part of the democratic framework. It's alarming for democracy when individuals compromise their beliefs due to financial influence or other pressures, resulting in cross-voting or excuses.” He indicated that the party would gather reports from state leaders, after which the central leadership would conduct a review.

This controversy arose following the absence of several opposition MLAs during the voting process for the Bihar Rajya Sabha elections, igniting a political dispute between the ruling NDA and opposition factions.

In response, BJP representatives refuted the claims and emphasized that the opposition should focus on maintaining discipline within their ranks.

Union Minister Ramdas Athawale commented to IANS, “The opposition continues to make accusations but must manage their own MLAs. We are more than capable of managing ours.”

He further stated, “We can also handle other MLAs. Whatever transpired is not our responsibility. NDA candidates have triumphed in key states, including Maharashtra, Bihar, and Haryana. If the opposition’s MLAs choose to leave, what can we do?”

BJP MP Vivek Thakur also criticized the opposition, indicating that the situation demonstrates weak leadership.

“If a party cannot manage its own MLAs, it reflects poorly on its leadership. Instead of blaming others, focus on your party and its legislators. The NDA was expected to win all five seats, and it has successfully done so,” he said.

Meanwhile, the NDA achieved a clean sweep in the elections for five Rajya Sabha seats from Bihar, with all its candidates emerging victorious.

This outcome has posed a setback for the opposition Mahagathbandhan.

The NDA fielded Chief Minister and Janata Dal (United) National President Nitish Kumar, BJP Chief Nitin Nabin, Union Minister Ram Nath Thakur, Rashtriya Lok Morcha Chief Upendra Kushwaha, and BJP candidate Shivesh Ram.

All five candidates won their respective seats.

During the voting in the Bihar Legislative Assembly, 202 MLAs from the NDA participated, while 37 MLAs from the Mahagathbandhan were present.

On behalf of the opposition, Congress MLAs Manoj Biswas, Surendra Kushwaha, and Manohar Prasad Singh, along with Rashtriya Janata Dal MLA Faisal Rahman, were notably absent during the voting.

Bihar Congress President Rajesh Ram issued a statement regarding the absence of three MLAs, alleging that the BJP had "abducted" their legislators. He noted that, despite BJP holding power, these three MLAs had remained in contact since March 13.

He further asserted that their MLAs have been placed under house arrest.

Based on first preference votes, Nitish Kumar, Nitin Nabin, Ram Nath Thakur, and Upendra Kushwaha secured victory, while Shivesh Ram won in the second preference round.

The Mahagathbandhan's candidate, A.D. Singh, received 38 votes.

In the second preference tally, Shivesh Ram garnered additional votes, ensuring the victory of all NDA candidates.

The Bihar Legislative Assembly comprises 243 seats, and the election was conducted to fill five Rajya Sabha positions.

Despite six candidates contesting, the NDA's strong majority in the Assembly was pivotal in determining the result.

The ruling coalition currently boasts support from approximately 202 MLAs, while the Mahagathbandhan holds 35 MLAs, giving the NDA a significant advantage.