Mulayam to lead Janata merger

Leaders of parties belonging to  Janata Parivar on Thursday authorised Samajwadi Party chief Mulayam Singh to take initiative and work out modalities for merger and plan joint action against the BJP. 

As a show of strength, they would be organising a dharna on December 22 to demand bringing back of black money from abroad and raise issues of farmers and unemployed.  

Seeking to dispel ambiguity about merger, former chief minister of Bihar Nitish Kumar said at a press conference held at the residence of the SP chief that all the leaders felt the need of a strong Opposition in the country and their unity is the only way to become the voice of the people.

“The parties which are coming together have a common ideology. They were formed due to different reasons at different moments,” he said.

Hinting at the possibility of merger before Bihar Assembly elections, the JD-U leader said if a new party takes shape, we would be contesting elections as one party.

The meeting which was held at Samajwadi chief’s residence was attended by former prime minister and leader of Janata Dal-Secular  H D Deve Gowda, Janata Dal chief Sharad Yadav, RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav, SP chief Mulayan Singh, Samajwadi Janata Party chief Kamal Morarka and Indian National Lok Dal leader Dushyant Chautala.