Bihar NDA allies work on merger

Manjhi is said to have initiated the move and was successful in roping in Ram Vilas Paswan’s LJP and Upendra Kushwaha’s RLSP to discuss issues related to the merger.

Three NDA constituents in Bihar are working out a merger plan ahead of the UP Assembly elections. Former chief minister Jitan Ram Manjhi is said to have initiated the move and was successful in roping in Ram Vilas Paswan’s Lok Janashakti Party and Upendra Kushwaha’s Rashtriya Lok Samata Party to discuss issues related to the merger.

The meeting was held on Monday at the farmhouse of senior HAM leader Brishen Patel. Sources said: “The meeting ended on a positive note as leaders who attended the meeting had no objection to the plan.” The meeting was also attended by LJP vice-president and MP Chirag Paswan.

Though no official statement was released by the leaders, but HAM national spokesperson Danish Rizwan later told this newspaper that they were trying to bring all like-minded and anti-Congress parties on one platform. He said, “Our efforts will gain more strength if Mayawati agrees.”

Later, when asked about the details of the meeting, the HAM leader said, “Such meetings would further strengthen the NDA and the next meeting will be held soon, possibly at either Ram Vilas Paswan or Upendra Kushwaha’s residence.”

Mr Paswan and Mr Kushwaha are currently Union ministers in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Cabinet. Sources said the merger plan was being discussed to consolidate their strength among backwards and dalits in Bihar as well as in Uttar Pradesh where the Assembly election is due next year.