(From left) LJP MLC Israil Rayeen, JD(U) state president Basistha Narayan Singh, LJP MLC Rajesh Kumar alias Raju Yadav and JMM MLA Sumit Kumar Singh after joining the JD(U) at the party office in Patna on Monday. Picture by Deepak Kumar

Patna, July 25: Opposition parties in Bihar had to bear yet another blow after the departure of Shakeel Ahmad Khan from the RJD.

The latest victim of the mass exodus of party members has been the Lok Janshakti Party (LJP). All three LJP members of Bihar Legislative Council (BLC) today left the party and joined the JD(U) in the presence of state JD(U) president Basistha Narayan Singh in the party office.

The three MLCs who joined the JD(U) included Rajendra Rai from Hajipur, Rajesh Kumar alias Raju Yadav from Nalanda and Israil Rayeen from Saharsa district.

If this was not enough for the Opposition, to add more fuel to the ongoing crisis, the lone Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) MLA, Sumit Kumar Singh, from Chakai Assembly also joined the JD(U) today.

Sumit is also the youngest son of Bihar agriculture minister Narendra Singh. His eldest son Ajay Pratap is a JD(U) MLA from Jamui Assembly seat. Before the formal announcement of their joining the JD(U), all four members went to the official residence of chief minister Nitish Kumar.

They met Nitish and announced their joining the JD(U). The chief minister welcomed them in the party. They, then, wrote to the BLC chairman Tarakant Jha, who accepted their joining the JD(U).

Commenting on the occasion, Basistha Narayan Singh said: “The joining of the LJP and JMM legislators will further strengthen the development work that was undertaken by Nitish Kumar. The legislators have come from other parties but that does not mean they will get a different treatment. In fact, they will get the same respect like the other party members. There is no doubt that they have taken a bold decision and the JD(U) family welcomes them with open heart.”

Asking about the role of the Opposition after the departure of the MLCs from their respective parties, Singh said: “In democracy, we respect the Opposition, as they play a significant role in it. But at the same time they must have appropriate issues to take on the ruling party. According to me the present Opposition lacks leadership. We respect the Opposition but we can’t force ourselves to respect a limping Opposition.”

When The Telegraph asked about any possibility of Shakeel Ahmad Khan joining the JD(U), Singh said: “At present, I don’t know which party he will join but if it happens I will surely inform you.”

Speaking to Israil Rayeen regarding the reason behind leaving the LJP, he said: “I was feeling frustrated in the party. I have taken the decision in the view of future perspective and I think it’s good to be with a party, which is focused on development work in Bihar.”

Similarly, Rajendra Rai said: “After leaving the LJP today, I am satisfied and I am feeling proud to be with Nitish Kumar since there was no respect for us in the LJP.”

On the other hand, Rajesh Kumar alias Raju Yadav said: “It’s not the question of being an opportunist, it’s about supporting the party which is bringing prosperity and happiness in the state. I don’t think I have taken a wrong decision.”

Commenting on leaving the JMM, Sumit Kumar Singh said: “I have made up my mind long time back and I know very well that I have to give full co-operation to the Nitish Kumar government. Our role is very significant in the development campaign carried out by the present government.”

When The Telegraph asked LJP spokesman Lalan Kumar Chandravanshi on the issue of the MLCs leaving the party, he said: “Earlier too some party members had left but it has not at all affected the party in entirety. The LJP is run by its workers, who are the backbone of the party. Such things will not affect the party. Those who have left the party will repent their decision because the way we respect our MLAs and MLCs, other parties don’t. They have backstabbed our faith. The party, which gave them tickets and supported them with all possible help, will never forgive them for ditching the party.”