Stung by the criticism from its own leaders over the decision to back NRI businessman Mr Anshuman Mishra to the Rajya Sabha from Jharkhand, the BJP has directed its MLAs to abstain from voting. The election to the seat is scheduled on March 30.
The BJP General Secretary, Mr Ananth Kumar, said in a statement that in view of the large-scale “horse trading” and other malpractices going on in the elections in Jharkhand, the party has decided that its MLAs will abstain from voting.
“The BJP categorically states that no member of the BJP Jharkhand Legislative Assembly shall vote for an independent candidate Mr Anshuman Mishra,” Mr Kumar said in the statement.
Senior BJP leader Mr Yashwant Sinha had openly challenged the party's decision to back Mr Mishra in Jharkhand. The issue was raised in the Parliamentary board meeting of the party on Tuesday.
“I said that our MLAs should not be put on the auction block to the highest bidder and I am very satisfied that Mr Advani has promised that he will speak to the National President of BJP and try and sort out the issue,” Mr Sinha had said.
He was backed by a number of MPs in the Parliamentary Board. Today's direction, sources in the party said, is a result of the resentment of party leaders on the selection of candidates. Senior leader Mr L.K. Advani was also apprised of the situation.