Two BJP MLAs and a BSP legislator in Uttar Pradesh along with their supporters joined the Samajwadi Party on Saturday.
BJP legislators Yashwant Singh Chauhan and Rajendra Singh and BSP MLA Bhagwan Sharma alias Guddu Pandit had joined the SP, party’s state chief Akhilesh Yadav told reporters in Lucknow.
Mr. Chauhan, Mr. Singh and Mr. Pandit represented Sikandrarau, Fatehabad and Dibai constituencies respectively in the State assembly.
Apart from them, UP BJP secretary and former MLA Gomti Yadav also joined the SP.
In a swift move, the BJP suspended its two MLAs and expelled the state secretary on charges of anti—party activities.
The BSP said it would file a writ petition under the anti-defection law against Mr. Pandit who had been suspended from the party long back.
“BSP supremo Mayawati had already suspended Mr. Pandit as he was found involved in criminal activities. He was also denied BSP ticket for the coming assembly elections,” a party spokesman said.
Welcoming the three into the party fold, Mr. Akhilesh said the SP would field them in the upcoming assembly elections in the state from their respective seats.
Mr. Gomti Yadav would also contest as SP candidate from Bakshi ka Talab constituency, he said.
On criminal cases against Mr. Pandit, Mr. Akhilesh said the party would ascertain how many false cases were lodged against him.
