Bima Bharti met with Lalu Yadav to contest the Rupauli assembly bye-poll.

Patna, June 18, 2024: Former Rupauli MLA Bima Bharti on Tuesday formally staked her claim for the Rupauli Assembly bypoll. She met RJD national president Lalu Prasad Yadav and Leader of the Opposition Tejashwi Yadav at the 1-Circular Road residence of former CM Rabri Devi.

When she came out after the meeting, she appeared confident—indicating that the discussions were positive.

Speaking to reporters, Bharti said she will not vacate Rupauli “under any circumstances.”

“Anyone from my family will contest the election. There is no problem anywhere. I have been elected from here several times, so my claim is natural. The Lok Sabha and the assembly are different elections. I have a good relationship with Lalu Ji. I have taken his blessings. I will come again in the evening to take the RJD symbol. Either I or my husband Awadesh Mandal will contest from Rupauli,” she said.

Bima Bharti won Rupauli on a JDU ticket in 2020:

Bima Bharti, who won Rupauli on a JDU ticket in 2020, had quit the Assembly and shifted to the RJD camp to contest Purnea in the Lok Sabha polls earlier this year. After losing there, she is now keen to return to her Rupauli base.

The Rupauli Assembly by-election will be held on July 10:

The Rupauli Assembly by-election will be held on July 10. Nominations close on June 21. Withdrawal is permitted till June 26. Counting is scheduled for July 13.

Bima Bharti has been elected MLA from Rupauli five times—on JDU, RJD and even as an Independent.

JDU has fielded Kaladhar Mandal for the by-election. Former MLA Shankar Singh of LJPR has quit Chirag Paswan’s party and will contest as an Independent.

Also Read: Bima Bharti claimed Pappu Yadav will support her in the Lok Sabha election 2024.

EOM.