Samajwadi Party president Mulayam Singh Yadav’s meeting with JD(U) chief Sharad Yadav and RJD Chief Lalu Prasad to resolve the issues holding back the merger of Janata Parivar parties ahead of Bihar Assembly elections remained inconclusive. The meeting held in New Delhi today was considered crucial in the backdrop of the JD(U) and RJD squabble over seat-sharing for the upcoming assembly elections. Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is in Delhi but not attended the meeting citing eye surgery reason. However, sources said he is unhappy with RJD demand for more seats under the alliance and Lalu Prasad’s efforts to join hands with former Bihar Chief Minister and expelled JD(U) leader Jitan Ram Manjhi. Talking to reporters after the meeting, RJD Chief denied he has any differences with Mr. Kumar. He also said efforts are on to give a final touch to the merger.
Earlier, Samajwadi Party leader Ram Gopal Yadav had ruled out the possibility of the merger before the Bihar Assembly elections on technical grounds. Last month, the six Janta Parivar parties including SP, JD(U), RJD, JD(S) and INLD had announced their merger declaring Mulayam Singh Yadav as the President of the new political outfit. But they are yet to decide the name, election symbol, flag and and policies of the new group.