Patna ∙ In view of the reunification of the socialist parties, the merger of the RJD and Janata Dal (U) parties. Ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, Bihar Prime Minister Nitish Kumar has launched a series of moves to merge parties with socialist traditions in the states of Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Haryana.
Nitish’s strategy is to merge with RJD to counter BJP’s moves to split Janata Dal (U). Sources in the JDU indicate that initial merger talks with the RJD leadership have taken place. The leadership believes that the formation of the RJD-JDU government has instilled enthusiasm in the ranks of both parties and that the parties are ready for a merger. At the RJD National Council meeting, a resolution was passed giving party chairman Lalu Yadav the power to change the flag and name of the party, which is believed to pave the way for merger.
Nitish is attempting to enter national politics as leader of the Samyukta Janata Party by relinquishing the post of Prime Minister of Bihar to Tejashwi Yadav. UP Akhilesh Yadav’s party leader Samajwadi and Haryana Om Prakash Chautala’s INLD leader support Nitish’s plan to reunify the socialist parties. Akhilesh and Chautala are ready to accept Nitish’s leadership.
Nitish also believes that if Janata Parivar parties across the country can be united, it will become a stronger opposition party than Congress. It is hoped that broad Janata Parivar will have the strength to bargain with Congress for the post of prime minister in opposition unity talks. Nitish’s position is that Congress, Janata Parivar parties and leftist parties should be together if they want to challenge the BJP.
Summary in English: Discussions on the RJD-JDU merger
