Bihar MLA Sarfaraz quits JD-U contest Araria LS bypoll on RJD ticket

Ruling Janata Dal-United (JD-U) legislator Sarfaraz Alam on Saturday resigned from the party, which some believe is a setback to Chief Minister Nitish Kumar ahead of the Araria Lok Sabha bypoll next month.

Alam is the JD-U legislator from Jokihat in Araria district of Bihar and considered to be an aspirant to contest Araria bypoll that was vacated following the death of his father Mohammad Taslimuddin, a Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) MP.

Soon after he resigned from the JD-U, Alam met Rabri Devi, former Chief Minister and wife of RJD chief Lalu Prasad at her official residence 10, Circular Road here.

However, after meeting her, Alam said it was just a courtesy call and there was nothing more to it.

"It is certain thatb I will contest Araria bypoll but people of the constituency will decide from which party I will contest," Alam told the media.

He said he resigned due to pressure from people. "I have acted in line with the sentiments of people of my constituency."

However, soon after Alam resigned from the JD-U, Leader of opposition Tejashwi Yadav in his tweet said one more legislator of Nitish Kumar had resigned and that more may follow the suit.

On the other hand, JD-U spokesperson Ajay Alok said Alam's resignation was not at all a setback for the party.

According to leaders close to Alam, the JD-U ally Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will contest Araria bypoll and JD-U does not have guts to challenge it.

"Araria has been a stronghold of Sarfaraz's father Taslimuddin for over three decades. He will have to contest the bypoll to protect his father political legacy. RJD has offered him his father's seat," a leader.

In 2016, Alam hit the headlines as he was suspended from the JD-U for allegedly misbehaving with a couple on a running train. Later, he was even arrested but released on bail.

--IANS

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