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New Delhi: Union minister Chirag Paswan’s Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) has called an important meeting on Saturday to discuss the seat-sharing arrangement within the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and finalize the candidates for the upcoming Bihar assembly elections.
According to sources, an agreement has been reached between Union Food Processing Minister Chirag Paswan and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on seat sharing, paving the way for the formal announcement of NDA’s seat-sharing formula today.
LJP (Ram Vilas) is expected to get around 25 to 26 seats, marking the conclusion of an intense round of talks between the coalition partners.
Union Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai is said to have played an important role in resolving the differences.
BJP had entrusted him with the responsibility of holding discussions with Chirag Paswan to achieve a consensus acceptable to all parties.
In the last 24 hours, Rai reportedly met Paswan four times in New Delhi and both the leaders have indicated that the outcome of the talks has been positive.
Speaking to IANS about the party’s internal discussions, LJP (RV) MP Shambhavi Chaudhary said, “Regarding seat-sharing, whatever decision the party chief takes will be the final decision. As elections are approaching, such meetings within parties are becoming common, and we are currently attending one of those meetings. As soon as anything is finalised, everyone will be informed.”
MP Veena Devi, who was heading towards the meeting, told IANS, “The elections have come and the tickets have been finalised. Now whatever decision the national president takes in the parliamentary members’ meeting, it will be followed.”
Meanwhile, another constituent of NDA, former Chief Minister and President of Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular) Jitan Ram Manjhi is firm on his stand regarding seat sharing.
Sources reveal that Manjhi is not only pressing for a certain number of seats but is also demanding to contest from particular constituencies of his choice.
After concluding discussions with Chirag Paswan, Nityanand Rai also met Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, who is BJP’s in-charge for Bihar assembly elections, to brief him about the developments.
The NDA in Bihar currently consists of five partners – BJP, Janata Dal (United), LJP (RV), Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular), and Rashtriya Lok Morcha.
–IANS