At the state parliamentary board meeting on Monday, September 7, 2020, the Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) is scheduled to take a call on its coalition with the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), concerning the forthcoming Bihar assembly elections- set to be held in October-November 2020.
LJP has continuously criticized the Janata Dal (United) led by Nitish Kumar for not being capable of fulfilling their promises which they made to the citizens of Bihar. In particular, the promises made towards the Scheduled Class (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) are yet to be delivered – as alleged by the LJP president Chirag Paswan in his recent letter to the state’s Chief Minister on Sunday.
Post this criticism, LJP is being speculated of making negotiations with the alliance for extra seats and other post-election agreements and consequently, is likely to leave the partnership.
LJP has been a part of the UPA-I in 2005 and had ditched the alliance ahead of the state assembly elections, facing an electoral setback.
No official statement has been made by the president of the LJP yet. However, he had previously stated that he is against the idea of elections being held during this time of a pandemic. Additionally, he raised the concern of pushing off the elections until the pandemic is under control, in a meeting with JP Nadda- the national president of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
An LJP functionary claimed- “There are some issues that will come up for discussion. Leaders will be given a chance to put forth their concerns.”
Sanjay Mayukh- BJP’s national media co-in charge and Member of Legislative Council (MLC) said “The opposition has no vision and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s development agenda is moving ahead with full steam.” He claims that NDA will cooperatively take part in the 243-seat assembly poll and win with a clear majority.
To gain more seats in the upcoming elections, JD(U) is using this issue for their benefit, while BJP maintains a diplomatic attitude towards the matter. A senior JD(U) leader made a statement – “There is little doubt that the statements are posturing for more seats. However, the party should remember that seats will be decided on the merit of the candidate and also their performance in the last assembly election.”
To pursue the voter’s trust and support, the LJP had introduced a younger face against Nitish Kumar. Speculations have been made on LJP emerging as a third front in Bihar with Paswan being a CM candidate.
LJP had won only 2 seats out of 42, in its last assembly election. In 2019, it was able to acquire 6 seats and winning the Lok Sabha seats. For the upcoming election, the party hopes to gain 36 seats.