Tag: janata dal united

  • Will Railway Ministry Become Bone Of Contention In NDA Govt? JDU MP Confirms Demand |

    Amid speculations over Janta Dal United’s possible demands in the Narendra Modi led NDA government, JDU MP-elect Lovely Anand and her gansgter-turned politician husband Anand Mohan confirmed party’s demand of Railway Ministry. Lovely Anand, while speaking to the reporters said, “Railway Ministry certainly should be given, it has always happened. Bihar should also get special status.”

    #WATCH | Delhi | On being asked if the Railway ministry portfolio should be given to JD(U) in the new Cabinet, JD(U) MP-elect from Bihar’s Sheohar, Lovely Anand says, “Yes, it certainly should be given, it has always happened. Bihar should also get special status.” pic.twitter.com/iKeYJ2Zzu6


    — ANI (@ANI) June 7, 2024

    Lovely’s husband, Anand Mohan, while speaking to the press said, “The demand for the railway ministry is confirmed. It has been in Bihar’s share… The Backward Bihar needs the railway ministry… The CM took Bihar out of ‘jungle-raj’ and made a developing Bihar in the last 16 years. If we want to give it wings, then the ‘special’ state demanded must be fulfilled.”

    Mohan clarified that he was not part of the meeting and he had come to pay a unofficial courtesy visit to CM Nitish at his residence. 

    #WATCH | Delhi: On JDU parliamentary meeting at Bihar CM Nitish Kumar’s residence, gangster-turned-politician Anand Mohan says, “The demand for the railway ministry is confirmed. It has been in Bihar’s share… The Backward Bihar needs the railway ministry… The CM took Bihar… pic.twitter.com/XThO9b0WFV


    — ANI (@ANI) June 7, 2024

    NDA Ally Nitish Kumar Slams INDIA Opposition Alliance 

    Days after the results of the Lok Sabha election, JDU chief Nitish Kumar attacked the INDIA opposition alliance on Friday, saying that it had never served the nation’s interests. Under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, the nation will advance, Kumar said while addressing the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) parliamentary meeting in Delhi.

    “Agli baar jab aap aaiye toh kuch log jo idhar udhar jeet gaya hai, agli baar sab haarega. Humko poora bharosa hai (Those who have won this time will lose the next elections. I’m confident about it). They never worked for the nation. They never served the country. The country will progress under your (PM Modi) leadership” said Kumar.

    During his address at the NDA meeting, the JDU chief also affirmed his support for Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying, “All pending Bihar projects will be completed. It’s great that we’ve all come together, and we’ll all work with you (PM Modi). You will be sworn in as Prime Minister on Sunday, but I wanted you to do so today. We will be there for you whenever you take the oath…We will all work together under your leadership.”

    The newly elected MPs of the NDA attended the meeting of the alliance, which was held days after the Lok Sabha results.

  • Nitish Kumar Govt To Review Functioning Of Departments Held By Former Bihar Dy CM Tejashwi Yadav |

    PATNA: In a significant political development, the Nitish Kumar government in Bihar on Friday ordered a probe to review the functioning of the departments under the state’s former Deputy chief minister and RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav and his close ministers in the previous JDU-RJD government. According to news agency ANI, orders have been given by the Bihar government to review the functioning of the departments under Tejashwi and his close ministers in the previous government. 

     

    Patna | Orders have been given by the Bihar government to review the functioning of the departments under former state Dy CM Tejashwi Yadav and his close ministers in the previous government. The work of the Health Department, Road Construction Department, Urban Development and… pic.twitter.com/MYbaldPaWz


    — ANI (@ANI) February 16, 2024

     

    The work of the Health Department, Road Construction Department, Urban Development and Housing Department and the decisions taken by him will be reviewed, the order said. Apart from this, the work of the RJD regime in the Rural Affairs Department, PHED and Mines and Geology Department will also be reviewed. Instructions have also been issued by the state government to the secretaries of all concerned departments in this connection, said news agency ANI.

    The order came shortly after Tejashwi Yadav launched a fresh attack on Chief Minister Nitish Kumar while addressing the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra and said that the CM does not want to listen to anyone. “You all very well know how our CM is, he does not want to listen to anyone. He used to say ‘I will die, but won’t join BJP’…We decided to stay with Nitish ji, no matter how much we have to sacrifice, only to defeat BJP in 2024…’ Hum logo ne ek thake hue mukhyamantri ko Niyukt kiya hai’…” said RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav.

    “He does not want to listen to anyone, but still, ours was a grand alliance government, and we wanted to be united with a big goal, We have to stop the powers that be, those who work to sow poison in the country, so this time at any cost, no matter how much we have to bear, no matter how much we have to sacrifice, we joined Nitish ji, so that BJP will be defeated in 2024. We will do the work of ousting BJP from power and we appointed a tired Chief Minister, ” added Tejashwi Yadav.

    Former Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav joined Rahul Gandhi in his ‘Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra’ on Friday in Bihar’s Sasaram. The Yatra reaches it’s final stage in Bihar and is scheduled to enter Uttar Pradesh later today.

    Yadav was seen driving Rahul Gandhi and other leaders in the lead jeep as the yatra made its way through Sasaram with the RJD leader acknowledging his ally in his post on x. This was the first time the RJD leader was seen sharing the stage with Gandhi in Bihar since state Chief Minister Nitish Kumar severed his ties with the INDIA bloc.

  • As Bihar Parties Welcome ‘Bharat Ratna’ To Karpoori Thakur, RJD Calls It ‘A BJP Poll Gimmick’ |

    New Delhi: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has welcomed the government’s decision to posthumously confer the Bharat Ratna on former Bihar Chief Minister Karpoori Thakur. Bihar Chief Minister and Janata Dal-United president Nitish Kumar too hailed the move, calling it a good decision by the Centre. However, JD-U’s ally RJD has termed the move as a “political gimmick” of BJP. “My political and ideological guru, Late Karpoori Thakur ji, should have received Bharat Ratna long ago. We raised this voice from the House to the streets, but the Central Government woke up when the present Bihar government of social concern conducted the caste census and increased the scope of reservation for the benefit of Bahujans. The fear is true; politics will have to focus on the concerns of Dalit Bahujan,” RJD president Lalu Prasad Yadav posted on X.

    Family Hails Move

    On Tuesday evening, the government announced its decision to award the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian honour, to Karpoori Thakur posthumously. Following the announcement, family members of the late Bihar CM exchanged sweets in recognition of the forthcoming Bharat Ratna honour. Soon after the government announced that Karpoori Thakur would be posthumously awarded the Bharat Ratna, his son and JD(U) MP Ram Nath Thakur said that he didn’t see it from the side of politics.

    “I want to thank the Central government from my side as well as on behalf of my party and people of Bihar…I don’t see it from the side of politics. His (Karpoori Thakur’s) 100th birthday is tomorrow so maybe in view of that Central govt took this decision,” Thakur said.

    LJP Expresses Gratitude To PM 

    Meanwhile, Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) president Chirag Paswan expressed express gratitude to the Government and the Prime Minister.

    “I express gratitude to the Government of India and the Prime Minister. Bharat Ratna for Karpoori Thakur had been a long-pending demand of the people of Bihar as well as the entire country…Today, the PM honoured that demand of the people” Paswan said.

    BJP Hails Move

    Bihar LoP and BJP MLA Vijay Kumar Sinha said that the PM has honoured all Biharis by honouring ‘Jannayak’ Karpoori Thakur with the Bharat Ratna. “We had made the demand from the PM earlier too. Last year, he had said that this would be considered seriously. The PM has honoured all Biharis by honouring ‘Jannayak’ Karpoori Thakur with the Bharat Ratna. Entire Bihar is expressing gratitude to the PM because this is an honour for the entire state,” Sinha said.

    Union Minister Pashupati Kumar Paras said that the decision taken by Prime Minister Narendra Modi is “historic.” “PM Narendra Modi has made a historic decision. The people of Bihar and the entire country are thankful to him for this decision…The PM made a historic decision. He will now be considered a messiah of the backward and Dalits,” Paras said.

    Moreover, BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad said that Thakur was such an honest leader that it is discussed even today. “He connected the poor, the deprived and the backward to the mainstream…I express gratitude to the Prime Minister for conferring the Bharat Ratna on him. This is an honour of the poor and their voice, of the backwards…Several of the previous governments used to think about only the people around them. Some of them thought only about their own families. Narendra Modi Government thinks about the entire country,” Prasad said.

    He further said that awarding Karpoori Thakur with Bharat Ratna is an honour of the poor, the backward of the country “For this much-awaited decision, I express my gratitude. Awarding Karpoori Thakur with Bharat Ratna is an honour of the poor, the backward of the country,” he said.

    BJP leader Shahnawaz Hussain thanked the Prime Minister on behalf of the entire people of Bihar. “It is good news for Bihar. ..I thank the central govt…he deserves it, this was a demand of the Bihar people…This was fulfilled when a poor person’s son became Prime Minister. I thank PM Modi on behalf of the entire people of Bihar. Karpoori Thakur was the real leader of Bihar, he did so many things for the state,” Hussain said.

    Union Minister Nityanand Rai expressed gratitude to PM Narendra Modi and said that Karpoori Thakur’s entire life was dedicated to the poor and deprived. “First of all, I would like to express gratitude to PM Narendra Modi. Karpoori Thakur’s entire life was dedicated to the poor and deprived…Those who do politics in his name never thought for him, they just did politics in his name. Parties formed the government with Congress but Karpoori Thakur did not get the honour,” Rai said.

    BJP MP Sushil Modi said that PM Narendra Modi has done that historic work which no other PM could do to date. “Narendra Modi has done that historic work which no other PM could do till date. Son of an OBC – Narendra Modi – has honoured a crusader of OBC with the Bharat Ratna. Nitish Kumar and Lalu Yadav used to demand the Bharat Ratna but why could they not do it when they were Union Ministers? Narendra Modi is fulfilling the dreams of Karpoori Thakur,” Sushil Modi said.

    Bihar BJP chief Samrat Choudhary called it a historic decision and thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi. “This is a historic decision. Thanks to the Prime Minister. By conferring the Bharat Ratna on ‘Gudri Ka Laal’, freedom fighter and former Bihar CM Karpoori Thakur, PM Modi’s government has enhanced the pride of Bihar,” Choudhary said. “Narendra Modi’s government has enhanced the honour of Bihar today. On behalf of everyone in Bihar, I thank him for awarding Bharat Ratna to ‘Gudri Ke Laal’, freedom fighter and former CM Karpoori Thakur…PM Modi guarantees that he will fulfil everyone’s dreams – be it Lalu Yadav’s, Nitish Kumar’s, Congress Party’s or Ram Vilas’s. Only PM Modi can fulfil everyone’s dreams,” he added.

    RLJD Says Historic Decision

    RLJD Chief Upendra Kushwaha said that it is a historic moment for all and for those who fought for poor and backward people. “It is a historic moment for all of us and for those who fought for poor and backward people. We are grateful to PM Modi for this decision. Karpoori Thakur deserved this and we have been demanding it for a long time but the Government of India did not listen to us. However PM Modi has done it,” Kushwaha said.

    Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh said that this honour was for the pride of the poor, the deprived – someone who had become an example with his simplicity and honesty – Jannayak Karpoori Thakur.

    Historic Decision Or Political Gimmick?

    While Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar praised the Centre, his alliance partner in the state RJD said it was done to get votes.
    RJD’s Mrityunjay Tiwari said the BJP was verbally abusing Karpoori Thakur when he was alive and did not remember him for 9 years.

    “Central Government decided to award Bharat Ratna to Karpoori Thakur. The BJP was verbally abusing him while he was alive and did not remember him for 9 years. Our party and leader Lalu Yadav were demanding Bharat Ratna for him continuously. Now that elections are near, they are remembering Karpoori Thakur and awarded him the Bharat Ratna. They are remembering him for votes,” Tiwari said.

    Bharat Ratna A Tribute To Thakur’s Social Justice Crusade

    Beyond the political discourse, the Bharat Ratna is hailed as a tribute to Karpoori Thakur’s relentless struggle for social justice. Known as ‘Jan Nayak,’ his commitment to uplifting the underprivileged sections of society is highlighted. The award recognizes Thakur’s monumental contributions to Indian politics, marked by a dedicated fight against social discrimination and inequality.

    Legacy Of Janata Dal Leader: A Lifelong Struggle For the Marginalized

    Karpoori Thakur’s legacy extends beyond party affiliations. His journey from the Praja Socialist Party to the Janata Dal reflects a commitment to affirmative action and the empowerment of the poor and marginalized. Born on January 24, 1924, and passing away on February 17, 1988, Thakur’s impact on Indian politics remains significant, with the Bharat Ratna serving as a posthumous acknowledgment of his enduring contribution.

  • Will Nitish Kumar Join NDA Again? Late Evening Meeting Between Bihar CM, Lalu-Tejashwi Fuels Speculation |

    With the Lok Sabha elections approaching closer, speculations of a rift between Bihar CM Nitish Kumar and RJD leaders Lalu Prasad and Tejashwi Yadav have again taken centre stage. While Lau-Tejashwi met Kumar at his residence yesterday, a JD(U) minister claimed that the doors of NDA are still open. On the other hand, a meeting was held at BJP leader Vijay Kumar Sinha’s residence as well.

    It’s being claimed that Nitish Kumar, who was upset after the RJD did not back him for the INDIA Bloc’s convenor post, is now not ready to cede space for the RJD to contest more seats in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. The seat-sharing issue is the latest bone of contention between the JDU and the RJD. There is widespread speculation that the JD(U), having secured 16 seats in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls as part of the NDA alliance, may be unwilling to accept a reduced seat count in the upcoming elections. Meanwhile, the RJD, despite not winning any seats previously, is expected to assert its claim for a substantial share, emphasizing its larger numerical representation in the assembly.

    RJD president Lalu Prasad, accompanied by his son Tejashwi Yadav, the Deputy CM, called on ally Nitish Kumar at his residence. After the meeting, Tejashwi Yadav said that there is no rift between the parties and both parties will contest a respectable number of seats.

    “I feel sorry when you people ask questions that seem so divorced from ground reality. Why is there so much curiosity about when seat-sharing was likely to be final in Mahagathbandhan? Has the BJP-led NDA sorted it out in its own camp? Nobody cares about that,” said Yadav.

    Yadav was also asked about Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s interview with a Hindi daily in which his response to a query on Kumar, who dumped the BJP less than two years ago, was being interpreted as an admission of doors not being shut on the JD(U) boss. Shah said that if a proposal comes, then the BJP will think about that. Now, Bihar’s Building and Construction Minister Ashok Chaudhary claimed Shah has never said that the doors of the NDA are closed for JD(U). “Amit Shah never said that NDA’s doors for the JD(U) are closed. He always said that if JD(U) sends a proposal on it, then he would consider it. We have not given any proposal to the BJP,” Chaudhary said.

    Meanwhile, the JDU’s X handle has posted a video in which Tejashwi Yadav has almost disappered. In the 1.29 minutes long video that claims Bihar’s overall development under Nitish Kumar, Tejashwi was seen only once for a few seconds.

    सबकी मददगार… नीतीश सरकार।

    बिहार में हर वर्ग और हर तबके के लोगों का हो रहा उत्थान।#JDU #bihar #Nitishkumar #NitishModel pic.twitter.com/odmfEj6NMt


    — Janata Dal (United) (@Jduonline) January 20, 2024

    However, it is being said that Kumar wants the BJP to make a move first. In August 2022, Kumar, a former ally of the BJP, terminated the alliance, accusing the saffron party of attempting to divide the JD(U) and expressing determination to defeat the NDA in 2024 by uniting the entire opposition. He played a pivotal role in forming the INDIA bloc and hosted its inaugural meeting in Patna, where leaders opposed to the BJP came together, setting aside past differences.

    Kumar recently got appointed as the JD(U) president succeeding his close aide Rajiv Ranjan Singh “Lalan,” who was rumored to have developed close ties with the RJD camp. Despite being the longest-serving Chief Minister of the state, Kumar had, a few months ago, criticized the Congress for losing focus on INDIA due to its preoccupation with assembly polls in select states.

  • BREAKING: Lalan Singh Steps Down As Janata Dal-United President, Sends Resignation To Nitish Kumar, Say Sources |

    NEW DELHI: In a major political development, Lalan Singh, the president of Bihar’s ruling party, Janata Dal-United (JDU), has tendered his resignation from his position, sources said on Tuesday.  As per sources, Lalan Singh, a key figure in JDU’s leadership, has forwarded his resignation to Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. This decision comes amid speculations and political discussions about the party’s future course of action.

    Resignation Not Accepted Yet

    As of now, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has not accepted Lalan Singh’s resignation. The political circles are abuzz with discussions about the possible reasons behind this unexpected move. The development is set to be officially addressed on December 29th during a crucial meeting in Delhi.

    Speculations Surrounding The Resignation

    While the exact motives behind Lalan Singh’s resignation remain unclear, political observers are actively speculating about its potential implications on the party’s internal dynamics. This unexpected move has added an element of uncertainty to the political landscape in Bihar, leaving many to ponder the possible ramifications.

    December 29th Meeting To Seal Fate

    All eyes are now on the crucial JDU meeting scheduled for December 29th in Delhi, where the fate of Lalan Singh’s resignation is expected to be determined. The party leadership is likely to provide insights into the reasons behind this development and outline the future course of action for the Janata Dal (United).

    This sudden turn of events within the JDU has not only triggered discussions within the party but also caught the attention of political analysts, making it a significant development in the current political scenario. It was earlier speculated that Nitish Kumar would soon remove Rajiv Ranjan Singh alias Lalan Singh as the Janata Dal (United) chief.

    While there is no official confirmation in this regard as yet, sources also said that Nitish Kumar may himself take over as the party chief. Nitish is also believed to have been advised by his close confidantes that he should take over as the party president as it will help avoid any rumbling within the party, which may otherwise be triggered if a new face replaces Lalan Singh.

    According to sources, Nitish Kumar is upset with Lalan Singh over the way he has been functioning and especially his growing proximity with RJD supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav and Deputy Chief Minister Tejaswi Yadav. Reports said Lalan Singh was keen on contesting the 2024 Lok Sabha elections again from Munger and he might contest on an RJD (Rashtriya Janata Dal) ticket.

    Reports said Nitish was also upset with Lalan Singh for his failure to co-ordinate well with INDIA bloc partners to fulfill his national ambitions.

    If officially removed as the party chief, Lallan Singh will join the league of other party senior leaders, like George Fernandes, Sharad Yadav, RCP Singh, Upendra Kushwaha and poll strategist Prashant Kishor, who were previously replaced, despite being extremely close to Nitish Kumar.

  • Nitish Kumar asked me to lead his party, I refused: Prashant Kishor

    By PTI

    PATNA:  Political strategist-turned-activist Prashant Kishor on Tuesday launched a blistering attack on Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and claimed that he spurned a recent request by the latter to “lead” the Janata Dal (United).

    Kishor, who is on a 3,500-km-long ‘pada-yatra’ that would cover every nook and corner of the state, made the claim in a remote part of West Champaran district, about 275 km from Patna.

    “Nitish Kumar has been able to hold on to his chair and thinks he is very smart (‘mukhyamanti banke bahut hoshiyar ban rahe hain’),” said Kishor with uncharacteristic acerbity for a leader whom he has often called a father figure.

    “After losing the 2014 (Lok Sabha) polls, he met me in Delhi, begging for help. I assisted him in winning the 2015 assembly polls as the chief ministerial candidate of the ‘Mahagathbandhan’. Today, he has the temerity to offer ‘gyan’ (wisdom) to me,” added Kishor.

    The 45-year-old former national vice-president of JD(U) seems to have taken to heart Kumar’s recent dismissive averment that Kishor “did not know A, B and C” of Bihar’s politics, and the economy which he was promising to transform.

    “I am the son of a doctor, trying to work in my home state after having proven my mettle across the country,” the IPAC founder remarked, betraying indignation.

    “You all must have learnt through media reports that Nitish Kumar had called me to his residence about 10-15 days back. He asked me to lead his party. I said it is not possible. I cannot go back on the commitment I have made in return for any post,” said Kishor, who has launched a public awareness campaign called ‘Jan Suraaj’.

    Kishor was inducted into the JD(U) in 2018 by Kumar, who then headed the party, and got elevated to the national vice-president’s post within a few weeks.

    However, a squabble with Kumar over the Citizenship (Amendment) Act and the National Register of Citizens led to his expulsion from the party less than a couple of years later.

    JD(U) leaders did not immediately react to the latest utterances of Kishor, which came on a day when festivities and a Patna High Court order throwing municipal elections into jeopardy held their attention.

    However, Kishor’s outbursts came just a day after JD(U) national president Rajiv Ranjan Singh alias Lalan had questioned the source of his funding.

    Kishor also amply demonstrated that he was miffed, saying, “those wanting to know from where I am getting the money should know that unlike them, I have not indulged in ‘dalaali’ (brokerage)”.

    “Politicians have for long been seeking my advice on how to win elections. Media has been full of praise for my track record as a political strategist. But never before have I asked anybody to lend me money,” he said.

    “But today I am seeking donations. This is the fee that I am charging towards building this movement which entails expenses like the tent we have put up here,” Kishor was heard as saying in the video footage shared on social media accounts of ‘Jan Suraaj’.

    PATNA:  Political strategist-turned-activist Prashant Kishor on Tuesday launched a blistering attack on Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and claimed that he spurned a recent request by the latter to “lead” the Janata Dal (United).

    Kishor, who is on a 3,500-km-long ‘pada-yatra’ that would cover every nook and corner of the state, made the claim in a remote part of West Champaran district, about 275 km from Patna.

    “Nitish Kumar has been able to hold on to his chair and thinks he is very smart (‘mukhyamanti banke bahut hoshiyar ban rahe hain’),” said Kishor with uncharacteristic acerbity for a leader whom he has often called a father figure.

    “After losing the 2014 (Lok Sabha) polls, he met me in Delhi, begging for help. I assisted him in winning the 2015 assembly polls as the chief ministerial candidate of the ‘Mahagathbandhan’. Today, he has the temerity to offer ‘gyan’ (wisdom) to me,” added Kishor.

    The 45-year-old former national vice-president of JD(U) seems to have taken to heart Kumar’s recent dismissive averment that Kishor “did not know A, B and C” of Bihar’s politics, and the economy which he was promising to transform.

    “I am the son of a doctor, trying to work in my home state after having proven my mettle across the country,” the IPAC founder remarked, betraying indignation.

    “You all must have learnt through media reports that Nitish Kumar had called me to his residence about 10-15 days back. He asked me to lead his party. I said it is not possible. I cannot go back on the commitment I have made in return for any post,” said Kishor, who has launched a public awareness campaign called ‘Jan Suraaj’.

    Kishor was inducted into the JD(U) in 2018 by Kumar, who then headed the party, and got elevated to the national vice-president’s post within a few weeks.

    However, a squabble with Kumar over the Citizenship (Amendment) Act and the National Register of Citizens led to his expulsion from the party less than a couple of years later.

    JD(U) leaders did not immediately react to the latest utterances of Kishor, which came on a day when festivities and a Patna High Court order throwing municipal elections into jeopardy held their attention.

    However, Kishor’s outbursts came just a day after JD(U) national president Rajiv Ranjan Singh alias Lalan had questioned the source of his funding.

    Kishor also amply demonstrated that he was miffed, saying, “those wanting to know from where I am getting the money should know that unlike them, I have not indulged in ‘dalaali’ (brokerage)”.

    “Politicians have for long been seeking my advice on how to win elections. Media has been full of praise for my track record as a political strategist. But never before have I asked anybody to lend me money,” he said.

    “But today I am seeking donations. This is the fee that I am charging towards building this movement which entails expenses like the tent we have put up here,” Kishor was heard as saying in the video footage shared on social media accounts of ‘Jan Suraaj’.

  • Speculations of Nitish testing poll waters in UP trigger JD (U)-SP tie-up talks

    Express News Service

    LUCKNOW: The Janata Dal (United) leadership’s subtle indication about Bihar CM Nitish Kumar’s likely chances of contesting the 2024 Lok Sabha election from a seat in eastern UP a couple of days ago has triggered speculation about a possible JD(U)-Samajwadi Party alliance in the state in the days to come.

    According to the UP Janata Dal (U) chief Anoop Singh Patel, the first indication of the possible tie-up between his party and SP came to the fore when Nitish Kumar met SP chief Akhilesh Yadav in New Delhi on September 6 to discuss formation of a grand opposition alliance in a bid to defeat the BJP in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

    As per JD(U) sources, the party’s state leadership had sent a proposal to the national leadership to consider fielding the Bihar CM either from Phulpur, Mirzapur or Ambedkar Nagar, the Lok Sabha seats with a respectable presence of OBC voters.

    Currently, while Phulpur is with the BJP, Mirzapur is represented by Apna Dal (S) chief Anupriya Patel and Ambedkarnagar seat is in the BSP’s kitty with Ritesh Pandey representing it in Lok Sabha.

    Significantly, after snapping ties with the BJP, the JD(U) has launched a membership drive in UP to expand its footprints in the state where it has nominal presence. However, the state unit of the party feels that the charisma of Nitish Kumar will do wonders this time in influencing the OBC voters.

    Nitish Kumar himself comes from Kurmi community which has a decisive vote bank in certain pockets of eastern UP. The party, after sealing the possible alliance with SP, may field its candidates in 2024 poll mainly in eastern UP, which shares the border with Bihar.

    ALSO READ | Neither ‘claimant nor desirous’ for PM’s post, working for united Opposition: Nitish Kumar

    There are question marks over Nitish’s support base in Bihar however.

    OBC groups like Mauryas, Kushwahas, Shakyas and Sainis help add heft to the JD (U) support base in Bihar. “However, in UP, all these communities have drifted towards the ruling BJP during the last eight years,” feels Prof AK Mishra of the Political Science department of Lucknow University.

    In Uttar Pradesh, the BJP had won 62 seats in the 2019 Lok Sabha election braving the grand alliance between arch rivals SP and BSP. Th ruling party has raised its tally to 64 by making inroads into two SP bastionss — Azamgarh and Rampur.

    Samajwadi Party spokesperson Rajendra Chaudhary said the SP chief Akhilesh Yadav will take the decision on any alliance with the JD (U) in Uttar Pradesh.

    UP deputy CM Keshav Prasad Maurya, a prominent OBC face of the BJP, meanwhile, feels Nitish Kumar hardly stands any chance in UP. He says that after breaking alliance with the BJP, the JD (U) is struggling to keep its support base intact in Bihar.

    People of Uttar Pradesh will again support the BJP in the 2024 Lok Sabha election to make Narendra Modi Prime Minister for the third consecutive term, Maurya insisted.

    ALSO SEE:

    LUCKNOW: The Janata Dal (United) leadership’s subtle indication about Bihar CM Nitish Kumar’s likely chances of contesting the 2024 Lok Sabha election from a seat in eastern UP a couple of days ago has triggered speculation about a possible JD(U)-Samajwadi Party alliance in the state in the days to come.

    According to the UP Janata Dal (U) chief Anoop Singh Patel, the first indication of the possible tie-up between his party and SP came to the fore when Nitish Kumar met SP chief Akhilesh Yadav in New Delhi on September 6 to discuss formation of a grand opposition alliance in a bid to defeat the BJP in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

    As per JD(U) sources, the party’s state leadership had sent a proposal to the national leadership to consider fielding the Bihar CM either from Phulpur, Mirzapur or Ambedkar Nagar, the Lok Sabha seats with a respectable presence of OBC voters.

    Currently, while Phulpur is with the BJP, Mirzapur is represented by Apna Dal (S) chief Anupriya Patel and Ambedkarnagar seat is in the BSP’s kitty with Ritesh Pandey representing it in Lok Sabha.

    Significantly, after snapping ties with the BJP, the JD(U) has launched a membership drive in UP to expand its footprints in the state where it has nominal presence. However, the state unit of the party feels that the charisma of Nitish Kumar will do wonders this time in influencing the OBC voters.

    Nitish Kumar himself comes from Kurmi community which has a decisive vote bank in certain pockets of eastern UP. The party, after sealing the possible alliance with SP, may field its candidates in 2024 poll mainly in eastern UP, which shares the border with Bihar.

    ALSO READ | Neither ‘claimant nor desirous’ for PM’s post, working for united Opposition: Nitish Kumar

    There are question marks over Nitish’s support base in Bihar however.

    OBC groups like Mauryas, Kushwahas, Shakyas and Sainis help add heft to the JD (U) support base in Bihar. “However, in UP, all these communities have drifted towards the ruling BJP during the last eight years,” feels Prof AK Mishra of the Political Science department of Lucknow University.

    In Uttar Pradesh, the BJP had won 62 seats in the 2019 Lok Sabha election braving the grand alliance between arch rivals SP and BSP. Th ruling party has raised its tally to 64 by making inroads into two SP bastionss — Azamgarh and Rampur.

    Samajwadi Party spokesperson Rajendra Chaudhary said the SP chief Akhilesh Yadav will take the decision on any alliance with the JD (U) in Uttar Pradesh.

    UP deputy CM Keshav Prasad Maurya, a prominent OBC face of the BJP, meanwhile, feels Nitish Kumar hardly stands any chance in UP. He says that after breaking alliance with the BJP, the JD (U) is struggling to keep its support base intact in Bihar.

    People of Uttar Pradesh will again support the BJP in the 2024 Lok Sabha election to make Narendra Modi Prime Minister for the third consecutive term, Maurya insisted.

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  • Nitish Kumar’s ‘hanuman’ RCP Singh quits JD-U after corruption charges

    Express News Service

    PATNA: Former Union minister RCP Singh resigned from primary membership of Janata Dal (United) on Saturday, only a few hours after he was charged with corruption and amassing of huge wealth.

    Singh, once considered as ‘hanuman’ of Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, hinted at forming a new party soon. He had resigned from Union Cabinet after his term of Rajya Sabha came to an end on July 7.

    Describing JD-U as a ‘sinking ship’, Singh exhorted his supporters to accompany him. “Aap sabhi log mere saath chaliye. JD-U ab dubta hua jahaj hai (You all come with me. JD-U is now a sinking ship),” he added.

    He alleged that the corruption charges were levelled against him by some party workers under a conspiracy. The charges of corruption were levelled by two leaders of his home district Nalanda, a charge denied by Singh.

    According to the allegations, Singh had purchased 58 plots of land under two blocks of Nalanda district between 2013 and 2022. The plots were purchased in the name of his wife and two daughters, including an IPS officer.

    Taking cognisance of the allegations, JD-U state president Umesh Singh Kushwaha issued a show cause notice to Singh asking him to reply at the earliest. Kushwaha said the allegations against Singh were serious in nature.

    Former Union minister and JD-U parliamentary board chairman Upendra Kushwaha said since the matter has come into public domain, investigating agency may take suo motu cognisance of the charges levelled against Singh.

    Responding to a query, Upendra Kushwaha said that the party first wanted reply of Singh on the issue. “Party phir apna kaam karegi (party will take action accordingly),” he asserted.

    Singh had served as national president of JD-U before he was inducted in union cabinet and made steel minister in the Narendra Modi government. Singh’s relationship with Nitish got strained after he was denied nomination for Rajya Sabha for the third term. He had joined JD-U after taking voluntary retire from IAS in 2010.

    Subsequently he was appointed general secretary of JD-U. He owed political success to his proximity with Nitish during the latter’s tenure as railway minister at the centre.

    When Nitish became chief minister of Bihar, Singh was brought to Bihar from his home cadre Uttar Pradesh and made principal secretary to chief minister, a post he held till he opted voluntary retire from service. He was made national president of the party in January last year after Nitish Kumar relinquished the post under ‘one man one post policy’, which he had been holding for the past several years.

    PATNA: Former Union minister RCP Singh resigned from primary membership of Janata Dal (United) on Saturday, only a few hours after he was charged with corruption and amassing of huge wealth.

    Singh, once considered as ‘hanuman’ of Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, hinted at forming a new party soon. He had resigned from Union Cabinet after his term of Rajya Sabha came to an end on July 7.

    Describing JD-U as a ‘sinking ship’, Singh exhorted his supporters to accompany him. “Aap sabhi log mere saath chaliye. JD-U ab dubta hua jahaj hai (You all come with me. JD-U is now a sinking ship),” he added.

    He alleged that the corruption charges were levelled against him by some party workers under a conspiracy. The charges of corruption were levelled by two leaders of his home district Nalanda, a charge denied by Singh.

    According to the allegations, Singh had purchased 58 plots of land under two blocks of Nalanda district between 2013 and 2022. The plots were purchased in the name of his wife and two daughters, including an IPS officer.

    Taking cognisance of the allegations, JD-U state president Umesh Singh Kushwaha issued a show cause notice to Singh asking him to reply at the earliest. Kushwaha said the allegations against Singh were serious in nature.

    Former Union minister and JD-U parliamentary board chairman Upendra Kushwaha said since the matter has come into public domain, investigating agency may take suo motu cognisance of the charges levelled against Singh.

    Responding to a query, Upendra Kushwaha said that the party first wanted reply of Singh on the issue. “Party phir apna kaam karegi (party will take action accordingly),” he asserted.

    Singh had served as national president of JD-U before he was inducted in union cabinet and made steel minister in the Narendra Modi government. Singh’s relationship with Nitish got strained after he was denied nomination for Rajya Sabha for the third term. He had joined JD-U after taking voluntary retire from IAS in 2010.

    Subsequently he was appointed general secretary of JD-U. He owed political success to his proximity with Nitish during the latter’s tenure as railway minister at the centre.

    When Nitish became chief minister of Bihar, Singh was brought to Bihar from his home cadre Uttar Pradesh and made principal secretary to chief minister, a post he held till he opted voluntary retire from service. He was made national president of the party in January last year after Nitish Kumar relinquished the post under ‘one man one post policy’, which he had been holding for the past several years.

  • JD(U) gets Rs 100 crore donation in 15 days

    Express News Service

    PATNA:  The ruling Janata Dal (United) in Bihar has received Rs 100 crore as donation over the last fortnight, announced JD(U) state chief Umesh Kushwaha on Tuesday. Kushwaha said the huge amount donated to the party fund by leaders, supporters and workers showed the popularity of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. Overwhelmed with huge response, the JD(U) state chief exuded confidence that party would be able to get Rs 300 crore as donation by March end. “The process of collection of donation is transparent and it will come to public domain,” he said.

    The party will submit details of donations received from leaders, workers and supporters of the party to the Election Commission of India at the appropriate time, which will facilitate people to access the details, said the state chief. 

    ALSO READ: War of words intensifies between JDU and BJP in Bihar

    Kushwaha said the party had also appealed to people to donate to JD(U) benevolently during membership drive. The donation collection touching Rs 100 crore in 15 days, however, did not augur well for the main opposition Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) party circles.

    RJD MLA Bhai Birendra described the huge amount collected as donation by JD(U) as ‘kala dhan’ (black money). “There is an attempt to convert black money into white money,” he alleged. 

    BJP state leaders, however, preferred to keep silent on the issue.

  • Sharad Yadav to return to JD-U? Party in bid to bring back former leaders

    Express News Service

    PATNA: In the wake of the debacle in Bihar’s legislative polls last year, the Janata Dal (United) is now working towards bringing back senior politicians who had left the party a few years back.

    After Upendra Kushwaha’s return to JD-U with the merger of his party-RLSP, the party is reportedly convincing veteran socialist leader and ex-national president of JD-U, Sharad Yadav, to return to the fold as well.

    Speculations are rife in that Yadav has been requested through Upendra Kushwaha during his recent visit to Yadav’s Delhi residence, as an emissary of CM Nitish Kumar to bury the hatchet and return to JD-U.

    Currently, Sharad Yadav heads his own party, the Loktantrick Janata Dal, which he launched in 2018 after parting ways with the JD-U.

    He was the national president of JD-U from its formation year in 2003 till 2016.

    Yadav was elected to the Lok Sabha for the first time in 1974 from Jabalpur in a by-election in Madhya Pradesh and has since continued to actively participate in parliamentary politics from various Lok Sabha seats, including Madhepura in Bihar from 1991 to 2009.

    His daughter, Subhashini Raj Rao, had contested the 2020 assembly elections on a Congress ticket from Bihariganj seat in Madhepura.

    JD-U’s think tank has formulated a policy to welcome back veterans as a measure to strengthen the party’s position in the national sphere.

    However, it is being said that Sharad Yadav has not yet agreed to return and has asked for some time. Prior to meeting Kushwaha, Yadav had also met RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav in Delhi.

    Political experts opine that Sharad Yadav’s return could bear significant results for the JD-U, at a time when former Haryana CM Om Prakash Chautala is said to be working towards establishing a third front in the country.

    “In such a situation, if Sharad Yadav agrees to return to JD-U, his political experiences may prove very conducive to the JD-U to emerge a stronger party in national politics. Yadav is considered to be an influential leader to polarise the leaders of other like-minded parties for one platform,” a Patna based political expert said.

    If Sharad Yadav returns to JD-U, it will help the party emerge as a strong national one ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. His return is also deemed important amid demands from JD-U leaders for projecting Nitish Kumar as the party’s PM face, a reliable party source added.