Ex-Ara MP alleges conspiracy by NDA netas for LS poll defeat

Ara: The political temperature in Bhojpur has surged following a series of explosive interviews by former Union power minister and ex-Ara MP R K Singh, who blamed “conspiracy and betrayal by four NDA leaders, including two sitting BJP MLAs and two JD(U) MLCs,” for his defeat in the 2024 Lok Sabha election.“I have categorically told the top leadership of both the BJP and the JD(U), including Sanjay Jha and J P Nadda, that if those leaders who conspired and campaigned against me in the last Lok Sabha election are given tickets in the upcoming assembly election, I will definitely campaign against them. It’s absolutely clear,” said Singh.He named JD(U) MLC Bhagwan Singh Kushwaha, accused in a murder case, likely to contest from Jagdishpur, and JD(U) MLC Radha Charan Shah alias Seth ji, alleged to be involved in drug trafficking, slated for Sandesh. Singh also pointed to BJP MLAs Raghavendra Pratap Singh (Barhara) and Amrendra Pratap Singh (Ara) as part of the conspiracy.Both Kushwaha and Seth ji have denied the allegations. Seth ji said, “I was not even present in the constituency during the last Lok Sabha election. Let him campaign against me; there will be no electoral impact.”Kushwaha added, “Contrary to the allegations, I campaigned harder than Singh himself in my constituency to ensure his victory. Debacle and triumph are part of democracy. I have regards for him, but such allegations should not be hurled.”The two MLAs could not be contacted despite repeated attempts by this newspaper.Meanwhile, Singh also sought suggestions from his supporters on forming a new party, accusing the BJP of failing to provide fair representation to Rajputs at both the state and central levels.