Bihar: JD(U), RJD on ‘close to forging working unity’

Merger plans moving forward nationally, leaders to meet in Patna today to mark Makar Sankranti.

Sources said that along with the question of post-poll leadership, the issue of chief ministership will also be addressed.

While reunification of the Janata Parivar is taking a little time, the JD(U) and the RJD may forge a “working unity” in Bihar right away.

A big get-together of Parivar leaders hosted by Bihar JD(U) president Bashishth Narain Singh, scheduled to be held in Patna on Wednesday to mark Makar Sankranti, is expected to set the stage for the task ahead. The day will herald the beginning of an auspicious period after “malmass”, an inauspicious month in the Hindu calendar. JD(U) leaders Sharad Yadav and Nitish Kumar, RJD leader Lalu Prasad and INLD leader Abhay Chautala will be present at the feast.

When asked about the timeline for achieving the “working unity”, sources told The Indian Express that the new arrangement would be worked out fast so that Nitish may, tentatively, begin his “sampark yatra” from February 1. Initially scheduled to begin with a public meeting at Sikta in West Champaran district on January 17, the programme was cancelled because the rank and file wanted uncertainty vis-à-vis the proposed merger to end first. They felt the leaders must ensure maximum participation of workers in the programme and create an atmosphere conducive to the success of party candidates in the state assembly polls due later this year.

Sources said that along with the question of post-poll leadership, the issue of chief ministership will also be addressed. The continuation or otherwise of the incumbent Jitan Ram Manjhi is likely to come up as leaders of the two parties weigh electoral implications of the options available. In this scenario, therefore, former chief minister and senior JD(U) leader Nitish Kumar is emerging as the sole choice, provided RJD chief Lalu Prasad is receptive to the idea.

Sources also said that merger plans were moving forward well nationally. INLD president Om Prakash Chautala, who had long viewed Janata Parivar leaders with a bit of suspicion, has become more resolute regarding the reunification. On Monday, Chautala reportedly conveyed to SP chief Mulayam Singh Yadav, tipped to be the president of the unified party, that it must appear to be the birth of a new outfit and not a proverbial old wine in a new bottle. JD(U)’s Sharad Yadav and Nitish Kumar also met Chautala separately. Another point Chautala emphasised was that the new party must be as much against the Congress as the BJP. He told them that the Congress should not be allowed to take them under its wings.

Another small matter that needs sorting is of the symbol. While most leaders favour the “wheel”, considered auspicious because it propelled the Parivar to victory under the leadership of Vishwanath Pratap Singh in 1989, Mulayam supporters want their “cycle” to be accepted by the rest.