Janata Parivar merger won't affect LJP-BJP tie-up in Bihar: Ramvilas Paswan

INDORE: Union Minister Ramvilas Paswan today ruled out any adverse impact due to the proposed merger of erstwhile Janata Parivar parties on the prospective alliance between his Lok Janshakti Party and the BJP in upcoming Assembly elections in Bihar.

"The amalgamation of the constituents of Janata Parivar will not affect the prospects of the alliance between BJP and LJP in Bihar polls. We are hopeful that BJP-LJP combine will form government in Bihar by winning 75 per cent of total seats (in Bihar)," Paswan told reporters here.

Janata Parivar parties are set to merge tomorrow under the leadership of Samajwadi Party chief Mulayam Singh Yadav, and a formal announcement of the new entity, to be named either Samajwadi Janata Party of Samajwadi Janata Dal with cycle as its symbol is set to be made after a meeting at Yadav's residence.

Taking potshots at the amalgamation, the Food and Civil Supplies Minister said, "Even if hundred lame persons come together they cannot become a wrestler."

The LJP President termed as "baseless" the allegations levelled by opposition regarding the controversial Land Acquisition Bill.

The legislation is prepared for the development of country, and its provisions will benefit farmers more than their expectations, he said.

Paswan praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying the country's image has improved globally since he took reins of power.

The Minister said the Food Security Act has come into force in eleven states and will be implemented across the country by June 1, barring one or two states.

He said the Central government will make some changes in the Consumer Protection Act to provide more powers to Consumer Forums.