Janata alliance agree to project Nitish as CM
9 Jun 2015 12:07 AM GMT
The announcement of Kumar as CM candidate of RJD-JD (U) coalition came after days of speculation, which even led veteran NDA leader and Union Minister Ram Vilas Paswan to comment that the alliance between the two would be a non-starter as senior leaders of both parties made tough public statements on the issue of choosing a chief ministerial candidate. The decision, which was announced by Samajwadi Party chief Mulayam Singh, was taken after several rounds of consultation with RJD head Lalu Prasad and JD (U) chief Sharad Yadav anchored by Mulayam Singh.
Announcing the face of Janata Parivar for Bihar polls, Mulayam Singh said, “Nitish Kumar will be <g data-gr-id="31">chief</g> ministerial candidate of JD(U)-RJD alliance. Lalu Prasad had proposed his name.” Echoing similar sentiments, after Mulayam Singh’s intervention, RJD chief Lalu Prasad said, “There are no differences with Nitish Kumar. There is no contender for the CM’s post from my family and party.” Prasad further added, “No one from the RJD is interested in becoming chief minister.”
It’s worth mentioning that Lalu Prasad, a former chief minister, cannot run for office due to his conviction in <g data-gr-id="28">fodder</g> scam. While the Congress and other parties that will be part of the Bihar alliance have said they back projection of Nitish Kumar as chief ministerial candidate.
Earlier in the day, the incumbent Bihar CM said that there is “no doubt that Congress will be part of JD (U)-RJD alliance for the upcoming Bihar assembly polls’. Addressing <g data-gr-id="36">mediapersons</g> in Patna, Kumar said that Congress is definitely involved in the talks over the Bihar polls. “Rahul Gandhi and I discussed various issues in Delhi,” the Bihar CM said. On seat-sharing for the state assembly polls, Kumar said that “three members each from RJD and JD(U) will meet on Tuesday and have a discussion on <g data-gr-id="37">seat-distribution</g>”.
Samajwadi Party leader Ram Gopal Yadav had on Sunday confirmed the alliance between JD(U) and RJD for Bihar assembly polls. The announcement followed talks between Bihar Chief Minister and JD(U) leader Nitish Kumar and RJD leader Lalu Prasad at the residence of Samajwadi Party chief Mulayam Singh Yadav in New Delhi.
Left undecided on merging with Janata Parivar: Yechury
The CPI (M) on Monday decided to adopt a “wait and watch” policy on merging with the Janata Parivar in Bihar and stressed on Left parties closing rank against communal forces in India.
Addressing a press conference, CPI (M) General Secretary Sitaram Yechury said, “What we have decided is that strengthening of the Left is only strengthening a force against communal forces. Left has been the most consistent and strong anti-communal force in the country.”
On the question of whether they would merge with the Janata Parivar or not, he said, “The decision will be taken after discussing developments with other Left parties. We will soon meet other Left parties and monitor what developments are taking place and accordingly take a decision.”
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