LJP(RV) will continue in the NDA, says senior party leader and MP Arun Bharti

Notwithstanding Union Minister and Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) [LJP(RV)] President Chirag Paswan’s critical remarks against Nitish Kumar-led JD(U) government in Bihar, the party will contest the upcoming Bihar assembly elections in alliance with BJP and JD(U), senior party leader and Lok Sabha MP Arun Bharti said. 

“Whenever a coalition government is formed, there is a common minimum programme that is agreed upon, which in our case includes zero tolerance towards corruption, crime and to maintain law and order. These are the primary agreements between the alliance partners. Chirag ji is only trying to ensure that the government sticks to this agreement,” Mr. Bharti said. By raising these issues, Mr. Bharti said, Mr. Paswan is only fulfilling his responsibility as a coalition partner.

Mr. Paswan had on Saturday said, “Law and order has completely collapsed in the State. The police have surrendered to criminals in Bihar. I regret having to support a government which is unable to prevent such crimes. The situation in Bihar has, indeed, become scary.”

Mr. Bharti rejected the allegation levelled by JD(U) that such remarks weaken the alliance from within. “Chief Minister Nitish ji repeatedly harks back to “jungle raj” of RJD. The current law and order situation seems to be taking the State in that very direction,” he added. 

While reiterating Mr. Paswan’s remarks, Mr. Bharti clarified that this should not be seen as a first step towards a possible divorce from the NDA. “We will contest the elections in the alliance. We are discussing the seat-sharing formula and we hope we will have a fruitful discussion,” Mr. Bharti said.