Lok Janshakti Party president Ramvilas Paswan on Monday said his party will not pull out of the United Progressive Alliance at the Centre in the wake of the developments in Bihar.
When his attention was drawn to reports that Lalu Prasad Yadav's Rashtriya Janata Dal might seek LJP's ouster from the UPA, Paswan said, "I will continue with the UPA and strive for a non-BJP [Bharatiya Janata Party] and non-RJD government in Bihar."
He renewed his offer of Bihar's chief ministership to National Democratic Alliance partner Janata Dal (United).
"I offer the JD(U) the post of chief minister provided it agrees to my suggestions to break away from the BJP and evolve a consensus on the name of a minority leader belonging to the party for chief ministership," Paswan said hinting at fresh alignment of forces in Bihar, excluding the RJD and the BJP, to install a government in the state soon.
Asked if he would take initiatives to form a government in Bihar with the JD (U) even if President's rule was imposed, the LJP president said, "It is for the JD (U) to respond positively to my suggestions."
Bihar Governor Buta Singh had on Sunday recommended the imposition of President's rule in Bihar, as no party or alliance had been able to stitch together a majority in the 243-member assembly.
Paswan also denied reports that he had talks with JD (U) leaders, including Nitish Kumar and Sharad Yadav, on the conditions set by him for the formation of a new government.
Reacting to the statements by Lalu Prasad Yadav and Nitish Kumar holding him responsible for the governor's decision to recommend central rule, Paswan asked, "Why don't the RJD and the NDA, having a combined strength of 167 MLAs, join hands to form a government?"
He said President's rule was 'written on the wall' since the day the election threw up a fragmented verdict.
