RJD’s Suresh Mehta Joins BJP in Aurangabad; BJP MLA Lalan Paswan Switches to RJD

November 5, 2025

Patna, Bihar: In a major political shake-up ahead of the Bihar Assembly elections, former RJD district president and ex-MLA Suresh Mehta resigned from all posts in the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and joined the BJP, dealing a setback to the Congress candidate in the Aurangabad Sadar constituency, Anand Shankar.

Mehta’s defection is being seen as a move that could influence a crucial segment of votes in Aurangabad and complicate prospects for the Grand Alliance (Mahagathbandhan).

‘Ignored and Humiliated’: Mehta

At a press conference, Mehta said he was “repeatedly ignored and humiliated” within the RJD despite years of loyalty.

“I gave my best to the party, but I never got the respect I deserved,” he said, adding that his mentor Shakuni Chaudhary and several senior NDA leaders had long been urging him to join their side.

Mehta highlighted his record as RJD’s district president, claiming that under his leadership, the Grand Alliance won all six Assembly seats in Aurangabad district in the previous election.

He vowed to work “with full strength” to ensure the victory of BJP candidate Vikram Narayan in the Aurangabad Sadar seat.

RJD Counters With Lalan Paswan’s Entry

In a counter-move, the RJD inducted sitting BJP MLA Lalan Paswan from Bhagalpur’s Pirpainti constituency into its fold.

Paswan formally joined the party in Patna, in the presence of Tejashwi Yadav and Rabri Devi, and was welcomed with the party’s signature red-and-green gamcha.

RJD spokesperson Ejaz Ahmed said Paswan’s induction would strengthen the party’s movement for social justice.

Tejashwi Yadav took a swipe at the BJP, alleging that the party “uses Dalits for votes but never supports them on issues of rights and representation.”

Paswan’s Rift With BJP

Paswan, who made headlines in 2020 for alleging that Lalu Prasad Yadav had called him from jail, quit the BJP on October 16, claiming that the party had “no space left for outspoken Dalit leaders.”

In Pirpainti, the RJD has fielded Ramvilas Paswan, who will contest against the BJP’s Murari Paswan. Other candidates include Ghanshyam Das (Jan Suraj Party), Sunil Kumar Chaudhary (BSP), and Pritam Kumar (AAP).

Voting in Pirpainti will be held in the second phase on November 11.