Amidst perceived discontent within the JD(U) towards the opposition INDIA bloc members, a key ally of the BJP in Bihar, Union Minister Pashupati Kumar Paras of the Rashtriya Lok Janshakti Party, predicted a definite breakup of the ruling coalition in the state. Paras, expressing optimism, stated that the consecration ceremony of the Ram temple on January 22 in Ayodhya would usher in a positive development for the BJP-led NDA.
Highlighting deepening differences between Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and RJD President Lalu Prasad, Paras emphasized that the inauspicious period of 'Kharmas' had ended. He remarked that the entire country, including Bihar, is currently immersed in the fervor surrounding the Ram temple, suggesting that the opposition has little hope in upcoming elections.
Responding to concerns about the impact on Bihar, where the RJD-JD(U)-Congress-Left alliance is considered robust, Paras confidently asserted that they would be swept aside in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls, predicting the imminent collapse of the coalition.
Within the JD(U), there has been a longstanding push for Nitish Kumar to hold a key position in the opposition INDIA grouping. However, the party has been hesitant about the proposed role, leading to speculation about internal tensions.
The recent meeting between Prasad, his son Tejashwi Yadav, and Kumar aimed to dispel rumors of a rift in their alliance. Adding to the political intrigue, Union Home Minister Amit Shah's statement that the BJP is open to considering proposals for Kumar or other former allies to rejoin the NDA has fueled speculation.
Taking a swipe at his nephew Lok Sabha MP Chirag Paswan, Paras addressed the potential contest for the Hajipur seat. Paras emphasized that his right to contest from Hajipur, representing the constituency in the Lok Sabha, supersedes any statements from Chirag Paswan. He highlighted the importance of directives from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Shah, and BJP President J.P. Nadda in guiding his decisions.
Regarding the ongoing internal divisions within the Lok Janshakti Party, Paras underscored that his faction has been recognized as the parent RLJP in the Lok Sabha. Despite Election Commission recognition of Paswan's faction as LJP(Ram Vilas) and Paras's group as RLJP, the minister's leadership in the Lok Sabha reflects the majority support within the party.
As the BJP navigates a delicate balancing act between Paras and Chirag Paswan, sources suggest efforts to reconcile differences before the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. Paras concluded with a pointed remark that the BJP had Chirag Paswan join the NDA meeting last year to showcase strength after the formation of the INDIA bloc by the opposition.
(With Agency Inputs)
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