Amid the deepening suspense and continuous discussions over seat sharing in the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in the upcoming Bihar elections, Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) State President Raju Tiwari stated that their party has unanimously authorised National President Chirag Paswan to take the final call.
Led by Chirag Paswan, the party, which fought on 20-22 seats in the elections in 2020, is now demanding at least 25 more this time. As reported by the news agency PTI, senior party leaders think that their party should at least get 40-45 seats in the November elections.
Talking to the media, Tiwari said, "Look, today, a meeting was convened under the chairmanship of our Bihar election in-charge Arun Bharti Ji. In this meeting, the Presidents and Vice-Presidents of all the cells in Bihar, and all our national office bearers, along with many of our important colleagues, participated. And, we have unanimously entrusted everything to the national president regarding the ongoing discussion on future seats."
Adding, "For whatever decision is necessary, we have handed everything over so that the final decision can be taken by the national president. That decision will be binding for every single worker of the party."
Over the speculations about a "compromise on respect", Tiwari responded, "Now look, we have clearly stated that there was a discussion on many, many points in this meeting. And after the discussion of all the points, this decision was taken: unanimously, everyone is of one opinion that the final verdict will be that of the national president. Whatever decision he takes, every single worker of the party will strive to work according to his instructions. Now everything, the entire/total decision, is entrusted."
He stated further, "All this (speculation) holds no meaning. When we have authorised our leader, Chirag Paswan Ji, then these matters don't arise at all."
Over the issue of ensuring respect within the alliance, Tiwari stated, "When an alliance (gathbandhan) is formed, certainly, we are five brothers, so it is everyone's duty to ensure the respect of one another. And on that matter, it seems to me that now the decision on everything will be taken by our leader."
On Thursday, Chirag Paswan had also confirmed that, currently, discussions are being held regarding the seat-sharing formula within the NDA.
The Assembly elections in Bihar are slated to be held in two phases on November 6 and 11, with the vote counting to be conducted on November 14.