Paswan pitches for Modi as PM

Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) chief Ram Vilas Paswan Monday pitched for Narendra Modi as India's next prime minister and said caste politics must be shunned for development-oriented politics.

"I see this huge turnout as a commitment to ensure that Narendra Modi and the BJP win the Lok Sabha election," Pawan told a huge rally here, sharing the stage with Modi.

"Modi, who is born into a poor family, understands your emotions," Paswan added.

"Forget caste-based politics. Chose those who do development based politics."

Paswan, who had left the NDA after the 2002 Gujarat riots, added: "Since 2002 there have been no riots in Gujarat. But it keeps taking place in Bihar."

The LJP has tied up with the Bharatiya Janata Party for the general election.