New Delhi, December 5 – It was reunion time for the Janata Parivar on Thursday. The political parties, which were once part of the undivided Janata Dal, got together in New Delhi to strategise on how to counter the growing might of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Samajwadi Party chief Mulayam Singh Yadav, Janata Dal (United) leaders Nitish Kumar and Sharad Yadav, along with Janata Dal (Secular) supremo H.D. Deve Gowda and Indian National Lok Dal leader Abhay Chautala were among those who attended the meeting.
The decision to form a new party was taken at the meeting held at Mulayam Singh Yadav’s residence in Delhi on Thursday. Mulayam Singh Yadav has been authorised to take decisions on the merger of various “like-minded” parties and decide the agenda of the new bloc. “Yadavji will work on the modalities and the process will be decided at the future meetings of the alliance,” Janata Dal (United) leader Nitish Kumar said.
Political observers pointed out that these political parties are known for squabbling and their ‘unification’ may not be a smooth ride. However, Nitish Kumar sought to dispel such apprehensions and said all of them felt there should be “one party” as they have the same philosophy and principles.
Asked whether the move to join forces was borne out of a ‘fear of Narendra Modi’, Kumar said it was not the case but the aim was to form a platform in the current political atmosphere. He said that the six parties would like to work in tandem with entities like the Left Front, which would be approached.
“There needs to be a strong Opposition against the government. If we are united, our voice will be stronger. We have together to ensure unity,” Kumar said. “There are many other parties which may not have been a part of the Janata Parivar, but they might want to join us today. Yadavji will work to get such parties together,” he added. He, however, did not elaborate further.
Responding to questions on whether the proposed party would contest the upcoming Delhi Assembly polls, Kumar said the leaders would concentrate on the national scene and not on any particular state. The parties are organising a joint protest on December 22.
-INDIA TODAY
