No MLA pressure to back JD-U: Paswan

LJP leader Ramvilas Paswan today dismissed suggestions that his party MLAs were restive to join hands with Janata Dal (United) for an early ...

LJP leader Ramvilas Paswan today dismissed suggestions that his party MLAs were restive to join hands with Janata Dal (United) for an early installation of a government in Bihar.

He termed as ‘‘utter rubbish’’ that he was under pressure from newly-elected LJP MLAs to join forces with JD(U) and said: ‘‘Though we want early installation of a popular regime, all my MLAs are committed to protecting secularism and social harmony. They will make all sacrifice for these principles.’’

Paswan said his party was in no hurry to form a government and claimed things were in a ‘‘pretty good shape’’ under the President’s Rule imposed in the state nearly a month ago. ‘‘The people of Bihar are feeling relieved and secure as things are in a pretty good shape under President’s Rule,’’ he said on the last day of LJP’s three-day conclave convened to explore ways for formation of a non-RJD, non-BJP government.

Jharkhand JD(U) meet marred by clash

RANCHI

: A feud in the Jharkhand JD(U) over ministerial berths came to the fore on Monday as supporters of two leaders clashed after which the party sought an additional slot in the Arjun Munda Cabinet. Resentment over non-inclusion of state party chief Jaleshwar Mahto and induction of colleague Radha Krishna Kishore instead, triggered the clash. —PTI