Samata Party, JD(U) moot merger

By Our Special Correspondent

PATNA, DEC. 26. Even as the RJD is plagued by differences, the Samata Party happens to be striving to cope with its own problems and endeavour for a merger with the Janata Dal(U).

The stand-off between the RJD president, Mr. Laloo Prasad Yadav, and the working president, Dr. Ranjan Prasad Yadav, is no more a wishpering fact. The two leaders are now engaged in a war of words after their supporters had fought a pitched battle in Madhubani district a couple of days ago.

The showdown is being keenly watched by political pundits, particularly because of the simultaneous developments in the NDA camp where two of its constituents, the Samata Party and the Janata Dal(U) are seriously making an effort towards a merger to face the changing political scenario.

The RJD president described as unfortunate the disturbance at the Madhubani meeting of Dr. Yadav but added that the remarks of his party MP, Mr. Nagmani, were responsible for annoying the people.

Though he dubbed as baseless reports about his differences with Dr. Yadav, sources in the RJD feel the party chief might take action against Mr. Nagmani.

Dr. Yadav, who finds himself in the midst of a controversy, thanks to his projection as the possible replacement for the Chief Minister, Mrs. Rabri Devi, by one of the dissident MLAs broke his silence wondering how Mr. Nagmani was responsible for the ugly scene at his meeting when more than a dozen drunken men were present with the sole intention of creating trouble.

He ridiculed the charges of dissident activities in the party aiming at a change in leadership. ``Mr. Laloo Yadav claims that it is his party. Then, where is the question of dissent?'' ``One is there if he will, if not he is shown the door,'' was his cryptic remark.

Asked about the possibility of the expulsion of Mr. Nagmani from the party, Dr. Yadav declined to comment, saying he had already expressed himself on the issue.

Mr. Nagmani, was, however, more vocal in warning that the party would split if Mr. Yadav did not restrain himself. He accused him of being surrounded by sycophants and said that Mr. Yadav would have to pay dearly if he dared to take him on.

This dissident activity in the RJD has gained significance specially because of the attempt by the Samata Party and the JD(U) trying to merge. The fact also remains that the Samata Party is also bogged down by its own internal rift.

The Samata Party's legislative wing held a meeting here yesterday and virtually approved the move initiated by the Union Agriculture Minister, Mr. Nitish Kumar, for a merger with the JD(U). Mr. Kumar, too, was present at the meeting which authorised him to take any decision in this regard.

Earlier the legislative party of the State JD(U), had adopted a resolution welcoming the moves of the Union Civil Aviation Minister and JD(U) President, Mr. Sharad Yadav, as also that of Mr. Kumar. Hence, the legislative wings of the two parties, both of which have a major stake in Bihar, are of the same view on this crucial issue.

Party sources claimed that the differences at the level of this MPs was ironed out at a meeting with the Defence Minister, Mr. George Fernandes.

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