A significant political shift is reportedly underway in Bihar, with four out of six Congress Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) expected to switch allegiance to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). This development mirrors a recent event in Delhi where Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MPs joined the BJP, creating a stir in the national political landscape. Sources indicate that this move, often termed 'Operation Lotus', is nearing its completion and could reshape the political dynamics of the state.

What Happened?

The political circles in Bihar are abuzz with speculation about a substantial defection from the Congress party. According to insiders, a significant portion of the Congress legislative strength in the state assembly is preparing to cross over to the BJP. This potential exodus of MLAs would reduce the Congress party's representation in Bihar from six to just two, dealing a severe blow to the party's presence and influence in the state.

Among the names being circulated, Manohar Prasad Singh, the MLA from Maniari in Katihar district, is prominently mentioned. Singh, a former Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of police, has a long political history that includes a stint with the Janata Dal (United) before joining the Congress. He won the Maniari seat by a margin of 15,168 votes. Singh had previously been in the news for not casting his vote for the Mahagathbandhan during the Rajya Sabha elections, sparking earlier rumors of his potential defection. Reports suggest he has already met with Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary and has been assured a ministerial position as an incentive for joining the BJP.

Other legislators reportedly considering the switch include Surendra Prasad Kushwaha from the Valmikinagar seat in West Champaran, and Abhishek Ranjan, also from West Champaran, representing the Chanpatia constituency. Kushwaha, who joined the Congress in 2024 after being associated with Upendra Kushwaha's Rashtriya Lok Samata Party, secured his seat by a narrow margin of 1,675 votes. Abhishek Ranjan comes from a lineage of Congress stalwarts, with his father Om Prakash Sah and grandfather Ramnarayan Prasad Sah both being prominent party figures. Despite his traditional Congress background and an impressive win by 602 votes, Ranjan reportedly felt sidelined within the party, being denied the leader of the legislative party position and an opportunity to speak during a recent trust vote. However, Kamrul Hoda, the MLA from Kishanganj who won by 12,794 votes against the NDA wave, is explicitly stated not to be among those considering a defection. Hoda has a unique political journey, starting as a village head, then winning on an AIMIM ticket (the party's first win in Bihar), joining RJD, and finally returning to Congress for his latest victory.

Key Highlights

Four out of six Congress MLAs in Bihar are reportedly preparing to defect to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
This potential political defection is being compared to the recent switch of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MPs to the BJP in Delhi.
Sources indicate that 'Operation Lotus,' a term often used for such political maneuvers, is nearing its completion in Bihar.
Manohar Prasad Singh, the MLA from Maniari, is one of the key figures and has allegedly met Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary, receiving an assurance of a cabinet berth.
Surendra Prasad Kushwaha (Valmikinagar) and Abhishek Ranjan (Chanpatia) are also among the legislators rumored to be joining the BJP.
Abhishek Ranjan, despite his traditional Congress background, reportedly faced internal party dissatisfaction regarding leadership roles and speaking opportunities.
Kamrul Hoda, the Congress MLA from Kishanganj, is explicitly not named among the potential defectors, having won his seat against the prevailing NDA sentiment.

Why Does This Matter?

This anticipated wave of defections carries significant implications for Bihar's political landscape and the stability of the state government. For the Congress party, losing four out of six MLAs would be a devastating blow, drastically weakening its legislative presence and morale in Bihar. This would further challenge the Mahagathbandhan (Grand Alliance) in the state, potentially tilting the power balance more firmly towards the BJP-led alliance. Such a shift could influence future electoral strategies and outcomes, especially with the state assembly elections on the horizon, as voters might perceive a weakening of the opposition's unity and strength.

Beyond the immediate political numbers, these defections raise crucial questions about political integrity, ideological commitment, and the health of multi-party democracy. When elected representatives switch parties, it can erode public trust in the political process and the electoral mandate. For common people, such frequent political realignments can be disheartening, suggesting that personal gain or power outweighs the promises made to constituents. This constant political maneuvering can distract from critical governance issues, shifting focus from development and public welfare to party politics and power struggles, ultimately affecting the state's progress and the lives of its citizens.