NCP gears up for Bikramganj Lok Sabha by-poll in Bihar

Patna, Oct 14 (UNI)In an effort to garner support for the Lok Sabha by-election in Bikramganj parliamentary constiuency, which had fallen vacant after the death of JD(U) MP Ajeet Singh, NCP today announced that party would hold Kisan rally(farmers' rally)there on October 31 coinciding with birth anniversary of Sardar Ballabh Bhai Patel, the Iron man of India.

State party president Upendra Kushwaha told newspersons here that NCP would contest Bikramganj Lok Sabha by poll with all sincerity, which was expected to be held in near future. "As the possibility of mid-term poll in the country now appears slim, the EC is expected to announce the date for Bikramganj Lok Sabha by-poll soon," he said adding in the event of mid term poll, EC was not required to hold by-election for this parliamentary seat.

"Our party will seek support from political parties to teach a lesson to the NDA in the Bikramganj Lok Sabha by-poll," he said and exuded confidence the NCP would get support from all corners of the society.

In an oblique reference to autocratic style of functioning of Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar in running the affairs of JD(U), Mr Kushwaha said the internal democracy in that pary had vanished.

"No party can claim itself to be champion of the cause of democracy unless and until internal democracy exists there," he maintained and added the NCP in Bihar would be run through complete democratic process giving due importance to the views of party workers and office bearers.

Mr Kushwaha, who was in JD(U) till recently, alleged Mr Kumar was taking decision on the advice of coterie of leaders with no mass base and commitment to social justice. "I was suspended by the party without any valid reason," he said adding his only fault was that he used to raise the voice of 'social justice' on party platform.

"I will ensure that farmers' welfare would be on top of prorities list of the party," he said adding Bihar could never become a developed and prosperous state unless steps were taken to improve the lot of farmers.

With a boost in agriculture sector, new vista of job opportunities would be opened and it would also help in checking the migration of labourers for earning livelihood in other parts of the country.

Earlier, Mr Kushwaha was nominated state president of NCP by national president of the party Sharad Pawar on October 11.

UNI