JD begins exercise to keep flock together

PATNA, March 22: The Bihar Janata Dal (JD) unit has initiated a damage-control exercise to prevent any further split in the party. A month-l...

PATNA, March 22: The Bihar Janata Dal (JD) unit has initiated a damage-control exercise to prevent any further split in the party. A month-long agitational programme, starting from April 15, has been planned to revive their cadre in the State.

In the first phase of their programme, the defeated candidates in the recent Lok Sabha elections, along with the legislators from the Assembly segments where the party registered a loss, are required to submit reports on the reasons behind the party’s poor performance.

Party president Sharad Yadav is scheduled to arrive tomorrow to boost his partymen’s spirits. There are also speculations that he will seek election to the Rajya Sabha seat from the State.

Story continues below this ad

The recent desertion of Mohammed Kasim, the JD candidate for the Patna Lok Sabha constituency, seems to have stirred the party into action. The party leadership is now reported to be going all out to keep its flock together. In the changed scenario, the JD is likely to ask its rank and file to support the CPI (ML)candidate for the Patna Lok Sabha seat.

Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Laloo Prasad Yadav’s reported moves to personally contact JD legislators and persuade them to join him also caused consternation in the party.