'True soldier of BJP': Bihar leader Arijit Choubey makes sudden U-turn, quits independent bid after father’s call

PATNA: Former Union Minister Ashwini Choubey’s son Arijit Choubey, who had earlier decided to contest the Bihar Assembly elections as an independent candidate from Bhagalpur, suddenly took a U-turn before nominations by withdrawing from the electoral process on Saturday.

Arijit took the decision after getting a phone call from his father. He returned from the gate of Electoral officer cum Sadar SDO office gate.Arjit subsequently returned without filing his papers, citing obedience to his parents and the BJP leadership's directives. He expressed his commitment to working for the NDA candidates and helping them win the polls.He said, “I am a true soldier of the Sangh and BJP. I did not file the nomination on the direction of my father and party’s top leadership.

I will now work to ensure the victory of NDA candidates in the district. I will work to make the lotus bloom in Bhagalpur.”Arjit had decided to contest as an independent candidate after Rohit Pandey was given ticket by the BJP. He was reportedly unhappy with Pandey receiving the BJP ticket.Earlier, Arjit had taken out a nomination procession with his supporters, which was seen as a show of strength. However, it was speculated that Arjit might be stopped from contesting the election as an independent candidate after Pandey, the BJP candidate, received the party ticket and Ashwini was announced as a star campaigner.

After getting ticket, Pandey first spoke with Ashwini Choubey and took his blessings. Choubey had assured that he would definitely come for his campaign. After this, BJP had announced Choubey a star campaigner. Since then, it was being speculated that Arijit would be stopped from filing nomination.