RJD to join JD-U-led government in Bihar

Patna, May 18: Bihar's ruling Janata Dal-United appears set to align with arch rival Rashtriya Janata Dal of Lalu Prasad after Nitish Kumar resigned as chief minister.

JD-U general secretary K.C. Tyagi Sunday said the RJD of Lalu Prasad will join the government in Bihar. "RJD will join the government after JD-U elects its new leader," Tyagi told media persons here.

"I had talked several times with RJD chief Lalu Prasad in this connection in the last 24 hours," he said.

Tyagi also made it clear that Lalu was opposed to Nitish Kumar continuing as chief minister.

According to JD-U leaders, party president Sharad Yadav also talked with Lalu Prasad thrice since Saturday night for a realignment of the old Janata Dal parivar in Bihar after both the JD-U and RJD were massacred in the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections.

In fact, it was Sharad Yadav who first hinted at a re-alignment of forces with the RJD soon after Nitish Kumar quit his post Saturday.

"We are ready to sink differences with RJD chief Lalu Prasad to form a secular alliance government in Bihar," Sharad said.

Political watcher Satyanarain Madan said Sharad Yadav's move at rapproachment with Lalu's RJD after 17 years of parting ways -- since 1997 -- may change the political landscape in the state.

"It may be out of political compulsion in view of the surge of the BJP led by Narendra Modi, but it will consolidate the divided backward and weaker sections of society," Madan said.

However, some JD-U leaders, including legislators, expressed strong reservation over Sharad Yadav's idea of realignment with the RJD.

The JD-U legislature party is meeting Sunday evening and is expected to elect a new leader as Nitish Kumar is unwilling to take back his resignation.

IANS