Tuesday, February 1 2005 09:41 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Patna: Dealing a jolt to the ruling RJD (Rashtriya Janata Dal) a couple of days ahead of the first phase poll in Bihar, its incarcerated Lok Sabha member Rajesh Ranjan alias Pappu Yadav today (Feb 01, 2005) resigned from the membership of the RJD Parliamentary Board protesting against "denial" of tickets to candidates of his choice.

Surendra Prasad Yadav, representative of Pappu Yadav lodged in Beur Jail at present in connection with the CPM (Communist Party of India Marxist) MLA Ajit Sarkar murder case, confirmed that the MP had sent his resignation letter to RJD chief Laloo Prasad for acceptance.

Yadav claimed that the MP was incensed over alleged "high handedness" of the RJD boss in distribution of tickets ignoring claims of "genuine" party workers.

"MP saheb has also made up his mind to resign from the RJD and membership of Lok Sabha," he said and charged Laloo Prasad with "committing gross irregularities in distribution of tickets."

Enraged over alleged denial of tickets to candidates of Pappu's choice in his stronghold areas in Madhepura, Purnea, and Saharsa, his supporters have pledged to work for the defeat of RJD's official nominees in the Assembly constituencies under the three districts, he said.

Revolting against alleged autocratic style of functioning of RJD leadership Pappu's supporters have also entered the fray as Independents against party's nominees in several constituencies.

While Pappu Yadav is RJD Lok Sabha member from Madhepura, his wife is LJP (Lok Janshakti Party) MP from Saharsa.