Upendra Kushwaha, the leader of the Janata Dal-United (JDU), who is at odds with Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, is planning to launch a new political party in Bihar today afternoon in Patna. Kushwaha convened a two-day open session of JDU workers in the city (February 19 and 20) in which he solicited proposals from party workers for future political strategy. According to one of the conference attendees, JDU workers announced their intention to join a new political organisation on the first day of the session.
“Kushwaha will form a new political party and an announcement is likely to be made today,” he said.
Another session member reinforced the call, saying that there was unanimity support for the foundation of a new political party.
“The new political party under his leadership will reach new heights in the state and fulfil the desire of the people,” he said.
Another JDU worker described Chief Minister Nitish Kumar as the RJD’s “B team,” saying that dealing with them is pointless.
“JDU has lost its own identity under Nitish Kumar, so we need to form a new party for the welfare of the state. Kushwaha has agreed to our demand,” he said. ANI attempted to contact Kushwaha about the situation, but his phone remained inaccessible.
However, he tweeted on Sunday, “Tomorrow, on February 20, at 2 pm, I will talk to press and media colleagues at Maurya Hotel in Patna.”
Madhaw Anand, a close associate of Kushwaha and a member of the JDU’s National Executive Council, claimed that JDU National President Lalan Singh is purposefully striving not only to undermine the party’s dignity, but also to embarrass the Chief Minister of Bihar.
“Some senior leaders of Janata Dal-United are engaged in destroying the party so that JDU can merge with RJD,” he alleged.
“Lalan Singh should publicly tell that under his leadership what conspiracy is being hatched to weaken the party. Why is the merger of the Janata Dal United with RJD not being denied by the party?” he said.
Following the verbal spat between JDU leader Upendra Kushwaha and Nitish Kumar, Kumar has sent a clear message to the party leader, telling him to leave the party and go wherever he wants to go immediately.
Nitish Kumar has recently publicly questioned JDU leader Kushwaha’s intentions on many occasions.
Given recent developments, Kushwaha is likely to establish his political party today. However, it is uncertain whether he will campaign alongside the NDA in Bihar or stand alone.
