JD(U) issues whip, RJD moves its lawmakers to Tejashwi's residence

Political activities intensified in Bihar on Saturday ahead of the February 12 floor test of the Nitish Kumar government, with the Janata Dal (United) issuing a whip to its legislators to be present in the assembly during the vote while the opposition Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) shifted all its MLAs and MLCs to a temporary shelter at Tejashwi Yadav's residence in Patna, people familiar with the developments said.

- Vijay Swaroop and Subhash Pathak

The JD(U) whip came after at least five of its total 45 MLAs failed to turn up at a luncheon meeting organised at the house of party leader and state minister Shravan Kumar on Saturday. Of the five MLAs, two are said to be out of the state while one was undergoing medical treatment, a JD(U) insider said. "A whip has been issued, directing MLAs to remain present in the House and vote in favour of the government whenever the occasion arises," Shravan Kumar told reporters, describing the move as a "routine exercise" before an assembly session. The rural welfare minister warned that MLAs defying the whip would have to face "consequences", including "losing their membership".