Feud in SP an internal matter of that party: Nitish

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar today described the feud within Samajwadi Party in Uttar Pradesh as an "internal matter" of that party, but said had efforts of merger of the Janata Parivar succeeded

Patna, Oct 24: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar today described the feud within Samajwadi Party in Uttar Pradesh as an "internal matter" of that party, but said had efforts of merger of the Janata Parivar succeeded, situation would have been "much better".

"This is an internal matter of Samajwadi Party. I do not consider it right to comment on it," Kumar, who is also the JD(U) president, told reporters in reply to a question on the SP infighting and chance of an alliance there.

"Those in that party will themselves find a solution," he said after inspecting the ghats on bank of Ganga for coming Chhath Puja.

He, however, said had the efforts of uniting the six erstwhile Janata Parivar parties succeeded, the "situation would have been much better at present...it (the combined Janata Parivar) would have emerged as a strong axis of Indian politics."

"The six parties of old Janata and Samajwadi Parivar had reached an understanding to unite, but despite doing all these, something happened from within due to which the process did not proceed further," Kumar, who had played an important role in the merger process, said.

"If the efforts did not succeed, it does not mean that such attempts will not be made or it will again not bear fruits in future," he said. Kumar, who has made eight trips to UP in recent days with an intent to play an important role in the Assembly elections there, said the possibility of alliance has yet not taken a "final shape."

On Congress, he said "Congress is a bigger party. It was in power a few years ago and the party has again become active. All these make an impact." As far as JD(U) was concerned "No final decision has been taken on an alliance (for UP poll)", he said.

Kumar has in recent days shared dais with RLD of Ajit Singh, rebel BSP leader R K Choudhary and also interacted with Peace Party chief Dr Ayub Khan.

After his election was ratified at the JD(U) national council meeting at Rajgir last week, Kumar had made an overture to his UP counterpart Akhilesh Yadav to "take a risk" by implementing prohibition which he said would help him come out of the "family shadow" and win elections on his own. He had also pledged support to Yadav in such a condition.

PTI