Scope for Manjhi in Janata merger: Lalu

Lalu’s statement came a day after Manjhi met PM Modi.

RJD chief Lalu Prasad on Wednesday created a flutter in JD(U) by keeping gates open for former Bihar chief minister Jitan Ram Manjhi in the much-awaited merger of Janata Parivar parties.

“There would be place for Manjhi in Janata Parivar merger, which would formally take place on April 14,” Prasad said during a public meeting in Sasaram. The RJD chief’s statement came a day after Manjhi, thrown out of JD(U) during his showdown with Nitish Kumar for the CM’s chair, met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on Tuesday.

The statement also came at a time when Manjhi’s political front, Hindustani Awam Morcha, appeared divided with nine MLAs supporting the former CM seeking to join BJP and contest elections and 11 legislators favouring only an alliance with the saffron party.

But, Manjhi appeared upbeat after meeting the Prime Minister ahead of the much-awaited merger of Janata Parivar parties. His political front has also written to the Election Commission for “arrow” symbol in event of JD(U) joining SP, RJD, INLD, JD(S) and Samajwadi Janata Party to form a bigger outfit.

“Manjhi was thinking of an alliance with RJD and Congress, but Janata merger has sealed that option now. In any case, 11 MLAs, including eight suspended MLAs, had opposed this idea. Now, we have option to join BJP or go it all alone,” said a senior Manjhi camp leader.

An MLA, who wants to join BJP, said that Manjhi has been expecting around 20 seats from BJP in Bihar elections, hoping that if his outfit wins 15 seats, it could play a key role in case or a hung Assembly.

He said Manjhi appeared relaxed after meeting Modi. “It looks he has got some assurance. Only thing that worries Manjhi is BJP’s insistence on contesting 185 seats. But there is still enough time for Manjhi to test political waters and bargain well with BJP.”

A senior BJP leader, however, said: “We have supported Manjhi and would play up his ‘insult’. It is too early for alliance talks.”

State BJP in-charge Bhupendra Yadav said: “Alliance discussion can wait… we are decided on contesting under Narendra Modi’s leadership. Lotus alone is our face in Bihar or elsewhere”.

Source:: Indian Express