Bihar NDA Rift: JD(U) Accuses BJP Of Violating Coalition Dharma

Things are not rosy for the BJP-JD(U) alliance in Bihar, despite Nitin Nabin being at the helm. There were ruptures earlier between the two parties, but now JD(U) is annoyed over Independent MLCs, who defeated JD(U) candidates, being taken into the BJP.

Patna: Ever since Nitin Nabin took over as the BJP's national president on January 20, 2026, he has faced a series of politically embarrassing situations in his home state of Bihar. His sudden elevation from MLA to the party's top organisational post had surprised many within the BJP.

In August, the BJP lost the Bankipur Assembly seat, which Nabin had vacated, to Prashant Kishor's Jan Suraj Party. He was also criticised for not effectively leading the party in Bihar during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) controversy and the Opposition's 'vote theft' campaign.

Now, a fresh controversy involving two Independent MLCs has put the BJP in an uncomfortable position, with its ally JD(U) accusing it of violating coalition dharma. Political observers believe Nabin could have handled the situation more effectively.

JD(U) Questions BJP's Move To Welcome Independents

The JD(U) is upset after two Independent candidates, who defeated its nominees in the recently concluded Bihar Legislative Council elections, extended their support to the BJP. The BJP has welcomed the two into its camp.

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This marks the first public expression of anger by the JD(U) against its alliance partner since Samrat Choudhary replaced Nitish Kumar as Bihar Chief Minister in April.

The JD(U) has sought an explanation from the BJP over the return of Rahul Raj, a former BJP leader who contested as an Independent against the official NDA candidate in the Saran Teachers' constituency. Raj defeated JD(U) candidate Anand Pushkar and had earlier been expelled from the BJP for six years.

Another Independent, Banshidhar Brajwasi, who defeated JD(U)'s Abhishek Jha in the Tirhut Graduate constituency, was also reportedly inducted into the BJP.

'Are Only We Supposed To Follow Coalition Dharma?'

Bihar JD(U) president Umesh Kushwaha questioned the BJP's decision to take Rahul Raj back into its fold.

"Can the BJP explain why Rahul Raj was taken back into the party fold so soon?" he asked.

JD(U) candidate Anand Pushkar also questioned the alliance's conduct, saying, "Are only we supposed to follow coalition Dharma?"

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Senior JD(U) MLA Shyam Rajak termed the BJP's move an "unethical and wrong precedent". He also pointed out that anti-defection provisions prohibit elected Independent members from joining a political party after their election.

Jan Suraj Seeks Disqualification Of Two MLCs

Meanwhile, Prashant Kishor's Jan Suraj Party, which made its debut in the Legislative Council elections, has approached Legislative Council Chairman Rambachan Roy, seeking the disqualification of Rahul Raj and Banshidhar Brajwasi.

The BJP, meanwhile, has attempted to contain the controversy. State party president Sanjay Saraogi clarified that the two Independent MLCs have not formally joined the BJP and have only extended support to the party.

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"They have merely extended support to the BJP," he said.

The dispute has exposed growing unease within the ruling NDA in Bihar and placed the BJP's handling of its alliance with the JD(U) under scrutiny.