Mulayam Singh to head new party
Sudhir Kumar / indianawaaz
In a major political development, six parties of Janata Parivar have announced their merger in New Delhi today. The new party will be headed by samajwadi leader Mulayam Singh Yadav. The parties held a meeting at Mulayam’s residence in New Delhi to discuss the merger.
Briefing media after the meeting, JD(U) chief Sharad Yadav said it was unanimously decided that Mulayam Singh Yadav will be the president of the new political group. He will also be the head of the party’s Parliamentary Board. A six member committee has been formed to take a call on party’s policies, symbol, flag and other issues. The Committee includes RJD Chief Lalu Yadav, JD(U) President Sharad Yadav, JD(S) chief H D Devegowda, INLD leader Dushyant Chautala and Samajwadi Party’s Ram Gopal Yadav.
On the occasion, Mulayam Singh Yadav said that it was a historic decision and the new group will fulfill the expectation of all sections of the society including farmers and youth. He attacked NDA government saying the Centre has failed to keep the promises made during the Lok Sabha polls. Mr. Yadav also alleged that the government is not taking opposition on board on any issue and becoming egoistic.
RJD Chief Lalu Prasad said the parties have come together to fight communal forces. He said their policy is to take BJP out of power by practicing politics of socialism and Bihar will be first battlefield. Mr. Prasad, however, evaded the question on who will lead the new party in the upcoming assembly elections in the state.
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar said the new outfit will emerge as a strong force to give a new direction to the country. On the occasion, H D Devegowda, INLD leader Abhay Chautala and other leaders of these parties were also present.
The the new party will be named either Samajwadi Janata Party or Samajwadi Janata Dal. It is likely to retain the cycle symbol of Samajwadi Party. Mulayam Singh Yadav could be the leader of the new group in the Lok Sabha while Sharad Yadav could be named its leader in the Rajya Sabha.
RJD Chief Lalu Prasad said the parties have come together to fight communal forces. He said their policy is to take BJP out of power and Bihar will be the first battlefield. The merger is significant in view of assembly elections in Bihar later this year and in Uttar Pradesh in 2017.