India, Nov. 1 -- Two Independent members of the Bihar Legislative Council (MLCs), who had defeated JDU candidates in recent elections, have backtracked on their claims of joining the BJP after their induction triggered questions over the anti-defection law.

Banshidhar Brajwasi, elected from the Tirhut Graduates' constituency, and Rahul Raj, who won the Saran Teachers' constituency, had attended a BJP programme in the presence of Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary and senior party leaders. Both initially told the media that they had joined the BJP.

However, amid the controversy, the two later clarified on social media that they had only extended support to the party and had not formally joined it. BJP state president Sanjay Saraogi also sai...