More trouble for JD(U) as Mahachandra,Ramai, Salim Parwez announce contesting LS poll

Patna,(BiharTimes): Close on the heels of Devesh Chandra Thakur’s announcement to quit the party  three more Janata Dal (United) leaders Mahachandra Prasad Singh, Ramai Ram and deputy chairman of the Bihar Legislative Council, Salim Parwez, have made it clear that they would contest the coming Lok Sabha poll.

While Mahachandra is interested in contesting from Munger Lok Sabha seat Salim Parwez reportedly wants to fight from Saran parliamentary constituency. Revenue and Land reform minister Ramai Ram has also indicated that he would contest from Hajipur seat.

Munger is being represented in Lok Sabha by Rajiv Ranjan Singh alias Lallan Singh, the former state JD(U) chief. After the 2009 Lok Sabha election Lallan had serious differenfces with the chief minister Nitish Kumar and had later resigned from the post. The bone of contention was the joining of the Janata Dal (United) by Upendra Kushwaha.

But Kushwaha, after a brief stay in the party, left it. This paved the way for the re-entry of Lallan Singh, who is now once again getting closer to Nitish.

If Mahachandra stakes his claim it would be difficult for Nitish as both he and Lallan belong to Bhumihar caste.

Earlier, Mahachandra was interested in contesting the Maharajganj by-poll last year June. But the party gave ticket to education minister, P K Shahi,  who ultimately lost to RJD’s Prabhunath Singh.

Mahachandra joined the JD(U) a couple of years back after a long association with the Congress party. He shot into limelight during the anti-Mandal agitation of early 1990s.

The case of Salim Parwez also comes as a surprise as he is already the deputy chairman of the Upper House of Bihar Assembly. He hails from Chapra district.

Political analysts are of view that Nitish Kumar is gradually losing grip over the party as more and more trusted leaders are either leaving the party or threatening to do so.

No doubt the party is short of strong candidates to contest the Lok Sabha election and it can field leaders like Mahachandra, Ramai and Salim Parwez.

But what comes as a surprise is the manner in which they have announced the seats of their choice even before the party has taken any decision.