Congressional Leader Digvijaya Singh’s offer to Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) chief Ram Vilas Paswan to join the Grand Alliance (GA) in Bihar has drawn criticism from the constituents of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in Bihar.
Addressing the party’s virtual rally, Bihar Kranti Mahasammelan, with members and people from Sitamarhi, Singh, also a former Prime Minister of Madhya Pradesh, had on Tuesday given an open invitation to Paswan and his party, which disagrees with the ruler. JD (U) over the past few weeks, to join the former partners.
The LJP, which plans to run its candidates in all seats held by JD (U) and Hindustani Awam Morcha-Secular (HAM-S) candidates, was a component of the United Progressive Alliance (UPA), which comprises Congress and the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), until he finally withdrew to join the BJP-led NDA in 2014 before the Lok Sabha elections.
Rejecting Congress’s attempt to aggravate the division within the NDA, BJP leader and senior minister Prem Kumar said that the Congress that is fighting for its revival in Bihar is indulging in daydreaming. “Everything in the NDA is fine and under control. Paswan ji is an experienced leader and knows how to respect popular sentiments, ”said Kumar.
Echoing similar sentiments, JD (U) leader and minister Neeraj Kumar said that Congress’s attempt to woo the LJP exposes the waning confidence of the party which he said survived thanks to the compassion of the RJD in Bihar.
“Congress itself is driven by an obligation to seek guidance for Bihar from a leader jailed for corruption cases. The NDA is intact and united under the leadership of Nitish Kumar, who has been reaffirmed by BJP elders like Amit Shah and JP Nadda time and time again, ”said the minister.
The RJD, however, said the party would welcome any initiative by the LJP to return to the old coalition, of which it was a part for 12 years. “Let him come out with the offer to join. The GA leaders would definitely take a call, ”said RJD senior leader and former minister Alok Kumar Mehta.
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