Sonrise in LJP: Paswan leaves party matters to Chirag

NEW DELHI: Union minister and LJP president Ram Vilas Paswan on Wednesday signalled the elevation of his son Chirag as party chief when he announced that latter would be the final authority on party matters. This is being seen as a move to set the ground for next generation leaders for the poll battles in Bihar.

Speaking at the foundation day celebration of LJP, senior Paswan said, “I have left all decisions to Chirag. His decisions will be final.” Responding to a specific question whether Chirag, who is currently LJP’s parliamentary board’s chief, would be the national president, Paswan said, “What more you want me to say? Whatever decision Chirag takes will be the decision of party national president.” Chirag’s uncle Ram Chandra Paswan, who usually attends such meetings, was conspicuously absent.

LJP chief has always given Chirag the credit for his party forming an alliance with the BJP in 2014 to win a record number of six seats. The Union minister said which ever alliance he joined in the past had formed the government and this time he is confident NDA under Narendra Modi will return to power. On the issue of Ram Mandir controversy, Paswan said his party has its view and won’t change it. “I appreciate the manner in which the BJP government in Uttar Pradesh has dealt with the people who had gathered in Ayodhya. We will respect the Supreme Court decision on this issue and that will be in our agenda,” the Dalit leader said.

Addressing party workers at his residence, Chirag said LJP won’t accept any “dishonourable” seat sharing arrangement in Bihar for Lok Sabha elections. He said with the JD(U) joining the alliance this time, the BJP being the biggest partner will have to make more adjustments for its allies.

“The BJP president had talked of honourable agreement. I will not accept any number (of seats) that is dishonourable for LJP,” he said.