Anti-BJPism is the issue now: Jitan Ram Manjhi

PATNA: Defending his predecessor Nitish Kumar dialling Lalu Prasad and Congress to foil alleged BJP design to topple his government, Chief Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi today said anti-BJPism was the issue now and not anti-Congressism.

"It's anti-BJPism and not anti-Congressism the predominant issue now and hence there is need for all the parties to come on one platform to fight against BJP," Manjhi told reporters.

Manjhi made the statement to justify his predecessor Nitish Kumar telephoning Lalu Prasad, Congress and CPI to defeat the alleged design of BJP to ensure defeat of JD(U)'s two candidates in Rajya Sabha by-poll and subsequently lay grounds for fall of JD(U) ministry in the state by thrusting an early poll.

Asked how come joining hands with Lalu Prasad was justified when JD(U) came to power fighting the "jungle raj" of the RJD, he said that was an old issue.

"Humans did not wear clothes in ancient times but developed subsequently and started wearing good clothes. Likewise jungle raj is an old thing," he said emerging from 'Janata Ke Darbar Me Mukhya Mantri' programme.

The CM did not attach much importance to LJP chief Ramvilas Paswan recent assertions that election in Bihar would be held within six months as JD(U) would fall itself under the load of dissension.

"I do not know on what basis he is saying this. My government will complete its full course and election to state Assembly will take place on time," Manjhi said.

Manjhi also sought to play down rebellion by a section of JD(U) Legislators saying "there is some dissatisfaction among some of our legislators which we are sorting out. It is not a big issue," he said adding a meeting of JD(U) Legislature Party had been called tomorrow on RS bypoll.

On BJP observing "Betrayal Day" today on JD(U) breaking away from them on this day last year, Manjhi said "It is wrong to blame us for the split."

He said BJP won general election in Bihar and elsewhere on the basis of money power, "but there happiness will not last long as JD(U) will come back to power in Bihar in Assembly poll next year with two-third majority."

On notice served to two JD(U) suspended members--Renu Kushwaha and Anu Shukla--for indulging in anti-party activities and making a case for dismissal of their membership, Manjhi said he was not aware of it.