Samata Party rejects merger with JD(U)

PATNA, JANUARY 9: Samata Party has finally said `no’ to the proposal of merger with the Janata Dal (United) despite Ramvilas Paswan’s desperate appeal to it on Sunday to adopt a “conciliatory approach” towards the issue. SP spokesman P K Sinha accused the JD(U) while ruling out the merger of trying “to hijack” its identity through such a move.

Sinha told newsmen here on Sunday, “Samata will not allow the JD(U) to hijack its existence and identity. Samata is more popular than the JD(U) in Bihar.”

Earlier, Paswan told newsmen here that he was even prepared if Defence Minister George Fernandes takes over the mantle of the JD(U). “We are ready to make any sacrifice for unity between the JD(U) and Samata… Our sole objective is to rid the people of Bihar of the jungle raj.”