As a partner of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), the Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) is expected to respond to a call on whether it will remain on board as an ally for the next Bihar assembly elections or separate at its board meeting. state parliamentarian on Monday. Elections in the state are expected to be held in October-November to elect a new assembly.
Despite being part of the NDA in the Center and in the state, the LJP has pointed its weapons at the government of Nitish Kumar in Bihar, claiming that the government did not deliver on its promises. On Sunday, LJP Chairman Chirag Paswan, who has not shied away from criticizing the JD (U) leadership, released another letter to Chief Minister Nitish Kumar reminding him that the promises made to the people of the scheduled castes and tribes have not been kept. . .
The criticisms have sparked speculation that the LJP is negotiating more seats and other post-election deals, otherwise it could exit the alliance. If the LJP breaks ties with the NDA in Bihar, it will not be the first time the party has left a coalition. In 2005, he was part of the UPA-I, but separated from the coalition before the elections to the state assembly; however, he faced an electoral setback.
“There are some issues that are going to be discussed. Leaders will have the opportunity to voice their concerns, ”said an LJP official.
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Chirag, who previously told HT in an interview that he was against the idea of having elections in the state amid the Covid-19 pandemic, could not be reached for comment. He also said that during a meeting with the national president of the BJP, JP Nadda, he had raised the issue of postponing the polls until the pandemic is under control.
BJP and Bihar MLC national media co-head Sanjay Mayukh said the NDA will “jointly” contest the 243-seat assembly poll and “win with a clear majority.” “The opposition has no vision and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s development agenda is advancing at full speed,” he said.
While the BJP has maintained a diplomatic stance on the issue, the JD (U) sees it as a ploy to contest more seats for the next contest. “There is little doubt that the statements point to more seats. However, the party must remember that the seats will be decided based on the merit of the candidate and also on his performance in the last elections to the assembly, “said a senior leader of JD (U).
In the last assembly election, the LJP contested 42 seats, but won only 2. It achieved electoral defeat in 2019 by winning six seats in Lok Sabha and hopes to obtain 36 seats to contest the assembly elections.
The LJP is also trying to woo voters by presenting a “younger face” against Nitish Kumar, who is fighting the incumbency. There is also speculation that the LJP could emerge as a third front in the state with Chirag as the CM candidate.
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