Will accept any name suggested by BJP for Bihar CM: Ram Vilas Paswan, Lok Janshakti Party

Lok Janshakti Party chief and Union minister Ram Vilas Paswan said his party will accept BJP's choice for the post of Bihar chief minister. In an interview to TOI, Paswan expressed confidence about NDA's victory in the Bihar assembly polls scheduled later this year.

What are the challenges before the NDA in case of Janata Parivar merger?

The merger is impossible. Even if they (Janata Parivar constituents) agree for merger under Samajwadi Party's banner, why will SP leaders agree to it and carry the burden. They know it will complicate matters and create problems within the party. It is the first party which does not have a name, flag or symbol but has Mulayam Singh Yadav as president. Leave alone merger, they will not enter into an alliance.

What if JD(U) and RJD agree on seat sharing?

Now, there will be a fight among RJD, JD(U) and Congress over seats. Even if they agree on seat sharing, RJD supporters will not vote for JD(U) and vice-versa. The problem is that both the parties have declared their candidates. Those who don't get tickets will contest as independents and cut votes. On the other hand, our votes are intact.

Who is against the merger?

There is another fear among both JD(U) and RJD that even if they merge, dissidents of these parties will continue to run the party with the same name.

What role do you see for Jitan Ram Manjhi in the coming election?

If Manjhi comes alone, then people can think of voting for him. If he fights on his own, he will cut into the votes of both JD(U) and RJD.

What about LJP's seat-sharing arrangement with BJP? We have not started yet. The talks will begin after election dates are announced.

What about CM candidate?

We have already said it depends on BJP. Any name which BJP announces, we will support it.

NDA's prospects...

We are ready for elections. The vote banks of Nitish Kumar and Lalu Prasad have got seriously dented while NDA's vote bank is neutral and united. NDA will form the government in the state with two-thirds majority.

When you are going to start the campaign?

The campaign has already started. Chirag Paswan has already covered 64 constituencies. The party will be starting Bihar Bachao Yatra (Save Bihar Campaign). Now, Chirag will travel to each and every district.