Talks on with BJP for an alliance in UP Assembly polls: Paswan

Panaji, Sep 22: Union Minister Ram Vilas Paswan today said talks are on between the Lok Janashakti Party (LJP) and BJP for the Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections.

LJP is BJP's alliance partner at the national level. "Talks for an alliance with the party (BJP) in Uttar Pradesh are going on.

But with regards to alliance with BJP in Goa, the decision is yet to be taken," Paswan, who heads the LJP, said here. "With regards to the forthcoming assembly elections in five states, we have already started preparations to contest the Uttar Pradesh polls," the Minister for Food and Public Distribution said.

"However the final decision will be taken by party parliamentary board headed by Chirag Paswan," he added.

Paswan is in Goa to participate in a national conference, which kicked off today. "To make LJP as a national party we have already completed the task of strengthening the party at grass root level, and today our organisation has become stronger and has base in several states of country," he claimed.

Paswan had said on November 17, which is the formation day of the party, LJP and Dalit Sena Workers' convention has been called in Patna which would be attended by the party leaders from several states.

He said the party has to discuss the issue of forthcoming Goa Assembly polls with LJP party workers and with Dalit Sena workers in Goa. Paswan confirmed that the crucial meeting of Goa level party workers have been called on Friday to discuss the State Assembly polls.

"Once we hold a discussion with party workers and other non-political organisation including our social and cultural organisation namely Dalit Sena, then whatever they takes decision, the party would agree with the same," the Minister added.

PTI