Journalism of Courage
The merger of six Janata Parivar parties would be formally announced by Samajwadi Party chief Mulayam Singh Yadav in Delhi Wednesday. The new party is likely to be called the Samajwadi Janata Dal. JD(U) national spokesperson and Rajya Sabha MP said that in case there is a deadlock when the leaders meet, the announcement may be deferred by a day.
Sources said prominent positions are likely to be given to RJD chief Lalu Prasad, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and JD(U) president Sharad Yadav. Mulayam is likely to be the party president and parliamentary board chairperson, while Sharad could be the leader of the party in Rajya Sabha.
Others who may get key positions include Raghuvansh Prasad Singh, Abdul Bari Siddiqui, Ramgopal Yadav and Tyagi.
Sources said former Bihar CM Jitan Ram Manjhi may try to get the Janata Dal (United) name and symbol for his party after it is up for grabs when the new Janata Parivar party is formed. Some RJD and JD(U) leaders have been in touch with Manjhi to find a place in his team.
Sources said Madhepura RJD MP Rajesh Ranjan alias Pappu Yadav may try to get the RJD name and symbol.
Meanwhile, Manjhi got closer to striking a deal with the BJP when he met RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat in Nagpur on Sunday. It is learnt that he wants 50 seats for his party to contest from in the upcoming polls. Manjhi is also likely to hold a “chai pe charcha”, much like PM Narendra Modi, at his Patna residence.
