Patna,(BiharTimes): The Lok Janshakti Party’s decision to return to the NDA fold has come under strong criticism from the Muslims and the lone party MLA, Zakir Anwar, resigned from the party. He accused the party of joining hands with the communal and fascist forces and of betraying the minorities. He had done so for sheer family and his own interest, the MLA added.

It is not that Ram Vilas had joined the NDA for the first time. His political career had a number of flip-flops.

But, according to chief minister Nitish Kumar, the manner in which he had switched sides has no parallel in the history. No one can do this.

Within a month time he was in negotiation with Congress-RJD combine as well as Janata Dal (United) but finally ended up tying up with the BJP.

However, former Quami Awaz journalist and community activist, Naiyer Fatmi, is of the view that Ram Vilas should publicly apologize to Narendra Modi before going into alliance with him.

However, Fatmi asks: “As to what had happened to Ram Vilas Paswan’s slogan of Muslim chief minister. In 2005 he made it an issue and broke away with the RJD on this very count. Can any politician change his skin so frequently in such a short time.”

Muslims are of the view that Ram Vilas has betrayed the community a number of times in the past too. During the no-trust motion in April 1998 he voted against the Vajpayee government, which fell by one vote causing re-election. Six months later after the Lok Sabha election he joined the Vajapyee cabinet for the first time. He formed his own outfit, Lok Janshakti Party, and then subsequently left the Vajpayee cabinet when the BJP decided to support the Mayawati led government of the BSP in UP in 2002.

“However, to befool the Muslims he said that he had resigned in protest against the Gujarat riots. The Gujarat riots started on Feb 28, 2002 while he resigned on April 29, that is, two months later. Actually he quit when the BJP tried to rope in other Dalit leader, Mayawati, with whom he had a running battle for supremacy,” said a political commentator, who wished not to be quoted.