On the day, Rashtriya Lok Samata Party (RLSP) leader Upendra Kushwaha joined the UPA, the BJP-led NDA seems to be faced with another discontented Bihar ally in Lok Janshakti Party (LJP).
Party chief and Union Minister Ram Vilas Paswan and his son Chirag met BJP President Amit Shah on Thursday, 20 December evening. The hour-long meeting remained inconclusive, CNN News-18 reported, quoting sources.
However, BJP General Secretary Bhupender Yadav, who is also the BJP's state in-charge for Bihar, reportedly said that the alliance is intact.
Earlier, Chirag had sent a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, asking about the benefits of demonetisation.
In the recent past, LJP leaders, on more than one occasion, have made public their unease with the BJP.
On 18 December, in a couple of tweets, Chirag had expressed his displeasure on the BJP’s failure to arrive at a seat-sharing formula.
He also warned the BJP of consequences and said that it should be more considerate towards its allies at a time when the RLSP and TDP have deserted them.
A day later he lauded Rahul Gandhi for Congress’ victory in the three states of the Hindi heartland.
“There has definitely been a positive change in him (Rahul Gandhi). Congress party has won after a long time. You’ll have to give it to him. If you criticise someone, you should also appreciate them when they perform well. They chose their issues well.”LJP MP Chirag Paswan
LJP's state president Pashupati Kumar Paras, younger brother of Ram Vilas Paswan also made a pitch for a bigger seat-share on 19 December. Paras said the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) has "undoubtedly" weakened in Bihar with exit of partners like Jitan Ram Manjhi and Upendra Kushwaha.
“Lack of clarity on the issue led to the RLSP’s exit. A final decision on sharing of seats among the remaining allies must be arrived at by 31 December,” Paras said.
On Thursday, however, Ram Vilas played down the prospects of rift between his party and the BJP. News agency ANI quoted him saying that there is no question of anger, adding that Chirag, who is the Chiarman of Central Parliamentary Board, will talk on the meeting with Amit Shah.
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