A huge political gamble is on card as the RJD and JD (U) are discussing possible merger to keep its political relevance in Bihar and unitedly fight against the BJP. While senior JD(U) leaders are openly batting for possible merger, the party chief and former chief minister Nitish Kumar said that although there is a need for all secular parties to come together and fight against BJP, but “there is no talk of any merger.”

“Efforts are on for a wider unity (among the old Janata Pariwar). We are holding talks with all parties to have a common stand on issues in Parliament,” Nitish said, adding, “There is unanimity that we should fight elections with total understanding to stop the BJP from taking advantage of the division of votes.”

However, RJD supremo Lalu Prasad claimed that the possibility of merger cannot be ruled out.

“Sab charcha mein hai, isko (merger) rule out nahi karte (everything is

Photo: The Hindu

under discussion and merger cannot be ruled out),”Lalu said.

Senior JD(U) leader and state minister Ramai Ram said that the merger is needed to keep the fight against BJP.

Reacting to the development, state BJP chief Mangal Pandey said, “This is a last attempt by the two defeated and rejected parties. These parties have lost relevance and are like fused bulbs which are useless.”

Leader of the opposition in the state assembly Nand Kishore Yadav said, “The two ‘castiest’ leaders cannot stop the march of Narendra Modi. Lalu and Nitish are day dreaming and their dreams would be shattered by the public in the assembly elections.”

Earlier this month six political parties who feared to lose their relevance in the Indian politics after the rise of Narendra Modi, met in the capital and have decided to work together against the BJP.

SP, JD(U), RJD, JD(S), INLD and Samajwadi Janata Party — have decided to act as a joint team in the Winter Session of the parliament and oppose the amendment to the Insurance Bill and the Land Acquisition Act.

The sources said that the SP leader Mulayam Singh Yadav, JD(S) leader HD Deve Gowda, RJD cheif Lalu Prasad, JD(U) leaders Nitish Kumar and INLD leader Dushyant Chautala have also discussed a possible merger to fight against BJP.

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