Is There Really a Rift in the NDA? Rajeev Ranjan Weighs In

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Rajeev Ranjan affirms united front of the NDA.
- No rift exists regarding seat sharing.
- Hindustani Awam Morcha and Rashtriya Lok Morcha express concerns over seat allocations.
- Ranjan comments on the implications of the IRCTC scam charges.
- Seat distribution discussions are ongoing.
Patna, Oct 14 (NationPress) JD(U) leader Rajeev Ranjan asserted on Tuesday that all is well within the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), dismissing any notions of discord or dissatisfaction among alliance partners regarding seat allocation for the Bihar Assembly elections.
This declaration follows comments from Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM) leader and Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi, who voiced his disappointment over receiving only six seats, despite the party's request for 15. The HAM is a part of the ruling NDA.
Additionally, Rashtriya Lok Morcha (RLM) national president Upendra Kushwaha expressed that the allocation of just six seats for his party in the upcoming elections could potentially upset many of his supporters.
In an interview with IANS, Rajeev Ranjan reaffirmed, “All is well in the NDA.”
Addressing Manjhi’s comments about belonging to a marginalized community, Ranjan noted, “Jitan Ram Manjhi has clearly stated that he believes in the NDA and supports Nitish Kumar as the Chief Ministerial candidate. Thus, it’s clear that he remains dedicated to the alliance and will contribute to its success.”
Ranjan also discussed the recent developments surrounding the IRCTC scam case, where RJD supremo and former Railway Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav, along with his wife Rabri Devi and son Tejashwi Yadav, have been formally charged by Delhi’s Rouse Avenue Court with corruption, cheating, and criminal conspiracy in the alleged land-for-jobs scam.
When queried about whether these charges would hinder the Congress in presenting Tejashwi Yadav as the Chief Ministerial face for the opposition, Ranjan replied, “They were hesitant to declare a CM face earlier as well. The evidence against them is strong, and investigative agencies have done significant work. The entire family is deeply embroiled in corruption. The people of Bihar will not give them a mandate again.”
Concerning seat distribution within the NDA, Ranjan mentioned, “The last date for nominations for the first phase of elections is October 17. Today is October 14, so there is still time. Nearly 90 percent of the process has been completed within the NDA. The remaining discussions are about identifying which candidate will contest from which seat.”
He dismissed any rumors of internal discord.
“There is no confusion. We are united and will fight the election together to win,” he stated.
In response to reports suggesting that CM Nitish Kumar is unhappy, Ranjan clarified, “No, there is no such thing. Nitish Kumar is the unanimous leader of the NDA. We are contesting this election under his leadership. Given the work done by PM Modi and CM Nitish over the past 11 years, there is no reason for disappointment.”