JD(U) legislator shoots off letter against tie-up with RJD

Patna, Jul 14: Amid indications of a tie-up between JD(U) and RJD for Bihar Assembly elections next year, a JD(U) legislator has shot off a letter to the party opposing it.

"I have written a letter to state JD(U) President Basistha Narayan Singh expressing strong reservation against the tie-up with RJD against whose 'jungle raj' (lawlessness) we came out to form our own party earlier," JD(U) MLA from Islampur in Nalanda district, told PTI today.

Ranjan claimed that over 60 JD(U) legislators held the same view and there would be a strong reaction if the tie-up took place. He said he had also written to former chief minister Nitish Kumar and conveyed the views of the people and party supporters against any tie-up with Lalu Prasad party "known for unleashing a reign of terror during 15 years of his rule from 1990 to 2005".

The JD(U) MLA said that a tie-up with Congress would be more beneficial for a better reach to Muslims and other deprived sections. Ranjan said JD(U) should have given one Rajya Sabha seat out of the three, for which election was held in the state last month, to Congress to pave the way for better understanding with it.

Reacting to the letter, state JD(U) spokesman Ajay Alok said the issue should have been raised at a proper party forum and not in the media.

"If the issue is raised at the party forum there will certainly be a discussion on it," he said. Following severe drubbing received by both JD(U) and RJD in the recent general elections at the hands of BJP, the two old rivals Nitish Kumar and Lalu Prasad are said to have been working in close coordination with each other.

PTI