In view of a spate of desertions of leaders from RJD and other Opposition parties,Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar said he would welcome them "with open arms" if they wished to switch over to ruling JD(U). "Choice of joining the JD(U) is open to all,including those who recently left RJD and other Opposition parties," Kumar said when his attention was drawn to his arch rival and RJD boss Lalu Prasad's trusted aides Shyam Razak and Ram Nihora Yadav parting ways with the former railway minister. "We will receive all those who resigned from RJD or are willing to follow suit even from other Opposition parties with open arms," the chief minister said. "We will try to ensure full respect and protect their prestige in our party," Kumar said. He added that ex-MLC Bhim Singh and legislator Sanjay Singh,who quit RJD and Lok Janshakti Party of Ramvilas Paswan respectively and joined the JD(U) a fortnight ago,were "happily discharging the work assigned to them." On whether Shyam Razak,Ram Nihora Yadav or any other Opposition leaders have contacted him expressing willingness to join JD(U),Kumar said,"We will let you know this at an appropriate time."
