Hindustani Awam Morcha president Jitan Ram Manjhi on Saturday said he would go to Ranchi next week to meet<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/irctc-scam-delhi-court-grants-interim-bail-to-rjd-chief-lalu-prasad-185433"> RJD national president Lalu Prasad</a> for discussing seat-sharing in Bihar ahead of Lok Sabha polls in 2019.

He sought to distance himself from the aggressive stance of HAM state president Vrishan Patel, who had earlier this week said the party would boycott the general elections if it was not given a "sizeable" number of seats to contest.

HAM is part of the opposition alliance in Bihar along with RJD, Congress, RLSP, VIP and LJD.

Prasad is in jail in Ranchi, after his conviction in three fodder scam cases. He is lodged at the Rajendra Instute of Medical Sciences on health grounds.

Manjhi said only three people are allowed to meet the RJD supremo on Saturdays. "Today, his younger son Tejashwi Yadav and our alliance partners Upendra Kushwaha of RLSP and Mukesh Sahni of Vikasshil Insan Party (VIP) met him. Next week it is going to be me", he said.

Responding to queries on Patel's seat-sharing stance, Manjhi said, "He may have vented his anxieties resulting from unsubstantiated media reports. We enjoy the support of 90 per cent of Dalits in the state. This is a fact which the RJD leadership is aware of."

It was due to HAM's support that the RJD won the Jehanabad assembly by-poll and the Araria Lok Sahba seat in March by a good margin, even though a sizeable number of Yadavs, its traditional supporters, had gravitated to the BJP, Manjhi, a former chief minister, claimed.

The opposition alliance is now reportedly exploring the possibility of an electoral understanding with the Left parties in order to take on the NDA which has been bolstered by <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/ahead-of-lok-sabha-polls-nitish-holds-jdu-meeting-in-patna-187291">Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's</a> return to the grouping last year.

Kumar heads the JD(U).

Seat sharing among the opposition parties in Bihar is likely to be a thorny issue.

Tejashwi Yadav, who is seen as Prasad's political successor, had sought to downplay the difficulties being faced by the Mahagathbandhan.

He had told reporters in Ranchi, "Our (Mahagathbandhan's) priority is to defeat the NDA. Whoever seems to be in the best position to defeat the BJP-led coalition in a given seat will be fielded as the joint candidate of the Mahagathbandhan".&nbsp;

Hindustani Awam Morcha president Jitan Ram Manjhi on Saturday said he would go to Ranchi next week to meet RJD national president Lalu Prasad for discussing seat-sharing in Bihar ahead of Lok Sabha polls in 2019.

Hindustani Awam Morcha president Jitan Ram Manjhi on Saturday said he would go to Ranchi next week to meet RJD national president Lalu Prasad for discussing seat-sharing in Bihar ahead of Lok Sabha polls in 2019. He sought to distance himself from the aggressive stance of HAM state president Vrishan Patel, who had earlier this week said the party would boycott the general elections if it was not given a "sizeable" number of seats to contest. HAM is part of the opposition alliance in Bihar along with RJD, Congress, RLSP, VIP and LJD. Prasad is in jail in Ranchi, after his conviction in three fodder scam cases. He is lodged at the Rajendra Instute of Medical Sciences on health grounds. Manjhi said only three people are allowed to meet the RJD supremo on Saturdays. "Today, his younger son Tejashwi Yadav and our alliance partners Upendra Kushwaha of RLSP and Mukesh Sahni of Vikasshil Insan Party (VIP) met him. Next week it is going to be me", he said. Responding to queries on Patel's seat-sharing stance, Manjhi said, "He may have vented his anxieties resulting from unsubstantiated media reports. We enjoy the support of 90 per cent of Dalits in the state. This is a fact which the RJD leadership is aware of." It was due to HAM's support that the RJD won the Jehanabad assembly by-poll and the Araria Lok Sahba seat in March by a good margin, even though a sizeable number of Yadavs, its traditional supporters, had gravitated to the BJP, Manjhi, a former chief minister, claimed. The opposition alliance is now reportedly exploring the possibility of an electoral understanding with the Left parties in order to take on the NDA which has been bolstered by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's return to the grouping last year. Kumar heads the JD(U). Seat sharing among the opposition parties in Bihar is likely to be a thorny issue. Tejashwi Yadav, who is seen as Prasad's political successor, had sought to downplay the difficulties being faced by the Mahagathbandhan. He had told reporters in Ranchi, "Our (Mahagathbandhan's) priority is to defeat the NDA. Whoever seems to be in the best position to defeat the BJP-led coalition in a given seat will be fielded as the joint candidate of the Mahagathbandhan".

Jitan Ram Manjhi to meet Lalu Yadav for seat-sharing talks next week

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/nobody-has-power-to-abolish-reservation-nitish-kumar-174763">Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar </a>attended a meeting of his JD(U) here on Saturday, in which the top leaders of the party discussed the ways and means to improve its prospects in the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/shivpal-yadav-willing-to-join-hands-with-congress-to-defeat-bjp-in-lok-sabha-polls-186646">2019 Lok Sabha polls.</a>

The meeting was held at the residence of Janata Dal (United) state president and Rajya Sabha member Vashishtha Narayan Singh. A host of senior leaders, including the party's national general secretary Ram Chandra Prasad Singh, spokesperson Sanjay Singh, minister Jai Kumar Singh and MLA Lesi Singh, were among those present.

JD(U) sources said the meeting that lasted for nearly three hours focussed on making the party more popular among the upper castes, who have traditionally supported the BJP or, earlier, the Congress.

The JD(U) enjoys tremendous popularity among the Extremely Backward Classes and the Mahadalits — numerically large but politically submissive social groups — thanks to the schemes of Kumar's government that have aimed at the betterment of these segments.

The support base of the JD(U) remained intact in the worst of times, but the votes failed to translate into seats whenever the party decided to go it alone like the 2014 Lok Sabha polls when it managed to win only two of the 40 seats in<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/bihar-government-collected-38-more-tax-than-last-year-sushil-modi-187104"> Bihar.</a>

The JD(U) is looking forward to putting up a sterling performance in next year's general election, which it will be contesting in an alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Ram Vilas Paswan's Lok Janshakti Party (LJP).

Last week, BJP president Amit Shah had announced the seat-sharing formula of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in Bihar, wherein his party and the JD(U) will contest 17 seats each while the LJP will fight the remaining six.

Kumar had said at Shah's press conference that in 2019, the NDA would better its previous record of 32 seats in Bihar, which was achieved in the 2009 Lok Sabha polls.

Being at the helm of affairs in Bihar for long, Kumar has the responsibility to ensure that the NDA romps home successfully in the 2019 polls.

However, opposition parties like the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and the Rashtriya Lok Samta Party (RLSP) have mocked the claim, saying Paswan's decision not to contest the Lok Sabha polls but enter Parliament through the Rajya Sabha was "out of fear that the NDA may not be able to open its account in Bihar".

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar attended a meeting of his JD(U) here on Saturday, in which the top leaders of the party discussed the ways and means to improve its prospects in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar attended a meeting of his JD(U) here on Saturday, in which the top leaders of the party discussed the ways and means to improve its prospects in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls. The meeting was held at the residence of Janata Dal (United) state president and Rajya Sabha member Vashishtha Narayan Singh. A host of senior leaders, including the party's national general secretary Ram Chandra Prasad Singh, spokesperson Sanjay Singh, minister Jai Kumar Singh and MLA Lesi Singh, were among those present. JD(U) sources said the meeting that lasted for nearly three hours focussed on making the party more popular among the upper castes, who have traditionally supported the BJP or, earlier, the Congress. The JD(U) enjoys tremendous popularity among the Extremely Backward Classes and the Mahadalits — numerically large but politically submissive social groups — thanks to the schemes of Kumar's government that have aimed at the betterment of these segments. The support base of the JD(U) remained intact in the worst of times, but the votes failed to translate into seats whenever the party decided to go it alone like the 2014 Lok Sabha polls when it managed to win only two of the 40 seats in Bihar. The JD(U) is looking forward to putting up a sterling performance in next year's general election, which it will be contesting in an alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Ram Vilas Paswan's Lok Janshakti Party (LJP). Last week, BJP president Amit Shah had announced the seat-sharing formula of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in Bihar, wherein his party and the JD(U) will contest 17 seats each while the LJP will fight the remaining six. Kumar had said at Shah's press conference that in 2019, the NDA would better its previous record of 32 seats in Bihar, which was achieved in the 2009 Lok Sabha polls. Being at the helm of affairs in Bihar for long, Kumar has the responsibility to ensure that the NDA romps home successfully in the 2019 polls. However, opposition parties like the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and the Rashtriya Lok Samta Party (RLSP) have mocked the claim, saying Paswan's decision not to contest the Lok Sabha polls but enter Parliament through the Rajya Sabha was "out of fear that the NDA may not be able to open its account in Bihar".

Ahead of Lok Sabha polls, Nitish holds JD(U) meeting in Patna

Rashtriya Lok Samta Party (RLSP) chief Upendra Kushwaha on Wednesday asserted that arrogance of BJP and Nitish Kumar were one of the reasons behind leaving the NDA and Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) should also follow suit.

In an exclusive conversation with ANI, Kushwaha said, "People of NDA have become arrogant, particularly in the context of Bihar such as Nitish Kumar, who is also being supported by the key leadership of BJP. Their conceit was somewhere a big reason behind us getting away from them. Others would also not be safe from this arrogance for long. Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) must also come out of alliance as soon as possible. These people have decided to destroy small parties and if LJP has also started to feel the same, they must exit the alliance at the earliest."

He also launched a scathing attack on Bihar government and asserted that it has completely failed to fulfil the expectations of people.&nbsp;

"Janta Dal (United) and BJP have governed Bihar for about 13-14 years now. There were a lot of expectations from Nitish Kumar and this government. Education would improve, healthcare facilities for poor will get better, youth migration will stop but nothing as such happened."

"If they could not do it in all these years when their third term is about to end, people would naturally desire a change. In this time whosoever will be with Nitish Kumar would also face worse. It is good that if BJP is with them, they will also go down with them and both Bihar and the country would get a good government", he added.

Kushwaha also outlined that no decision on whether his party will join the grand alliance or would fight independently. He, however, confirmed that for his party the grand alliance and the third front are options.

Kushwaha, who had pulled out of the NDA on December 10 and had also resigned as the Minister of State for Human Resource Development, cornered the Central government as well and emphasised that people are looking for a change now.

"Countdown for the Central government has begun. People had a great expectation from it but it disappointed people of the country. Farmers are in distress, the youth did not get employment. So naturally, there will be change now", said Kushwaha.

While replying to a question, Kushwaha also remarked that Rahul Gandhi has developed his `personality` and people are looking towards him as an option for replacing Narendra Modi.

Kushwaha also criticised BJP on the Ram Mandir issue and said that BJP is not interested in constructing it but is only misleading people for votes.

Rashtriya Lok Samta Party (RLSP) chief Upendra Kushwaha on Wednesday asserted that arrogance of BJP and Nitish Kumar were one of the reasons behind leaving the NDA and Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) should also follow suit.

Rashtriya Lok Samta Party (RLSP) chief Upendra Kushwaha on Wednesday asserted that arrogance of BJP and Nitish Kumar were one of the reasons behind leaving the NDA and Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) should also follow suit. In an exclusive conversation with ANI, Kushwaha said, "People of NDA have become arrogant, particularly in the context of Bihar such as Nitish Kumar, who is also being supported by the key leadership of BJP. Their conceit was somewhere a big reason behind us getting away from them. Others would also not be safe from this arrogance for long. Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) must also come out of alliance as soon as possible. These people have decided to destroy small parties and if LJP has also started to feel the same, they must exit the alliance at the earliest." He also launched a scathing attack on Bihar government and asserted that it has completely failed to fulfil the expectations of people. "Janta Dal (United) and BJP have governed Bihar for about 13-14 years now. There were a lot of expectations from Nitish Kumar and this government. Education would improve, healthcare facilities for poor will get better, youth migration will stop but nothing as such happened." "If they could not do it in all these years when their third term is about to end, people would naturally desire a change. In this time whosoever will be with Nitish Kumar would also face worse. It is good that if BJP is with them, they will also go down with them and both Bihar and the country would get a good government", he added. Kushwaha also outlined that no decision on whether his party will join the grand alliance or would fight independently. He, however, confirmed that for his party the grand alliance and the third front are options. Kushwaha, who had pulled out of the NDA on December 10 and had also resigned as the Minister of State for Human Resource Development, cornered the Central government as well and emphasised that people are looking for a change now. "Countdown for the Central government has begun. People had a great expectation from it but it disappointed people of the country. Farmers are in distress, the youth did not get employment. So naturally, there will be change now", said Kushwaha. While replying to a question, Kushwaha also remarked that Rahul Gandhi has developed his `personality` and people are looking towards him as an option for replacing Narendra Modi. Kushwaha also criticised BJP on the Ram Mandir issue and said that BJP is not interested in constructing it but is only misleading people for votes.

BJP's arrogance among reasons to leave NDA, LJP must also quit: Upendra Kushwaha

The RLSP Saturday received a major setback with all its members in the bicameral legislature of Bihar declaring that they were still with the NDA as they accused party president <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rlsp-chief-upendra-kushwaha-quits-as-union-minister-likely-to-quit-nda-reports-182855">Upendra Kushwaha</a> of pursuing personal interests in announcing a break up with the coalition.

Both the Rashtriya Lok Samata Party (RLSP) MLAs-- Sudhanshu Shekhar and Lalan Paswan-- and its lone MLC-Sanjiv Singh Shyam- made a statement to this effect at a joint press conference in Patna.

They also pitched for a ministerial berth for Shekhar a first-term MLA and the youngest among the three.

We will also approach the Election Commission with the claim that we represent the real RLSP and we enjoy the support of most workers and office-bearers in the party, Shyam said making it clear that the RLSP was heading towards a split.

RLSP which fought the 2014 general election as well the 2015 state polls as a NDA constituent has altogether three MPs, including Kushwaha, two MLAs and one MLC in Bihar.

While the three Legislators have announced their separation from Kushwaha, among the two other Lok Sabha members--Arun Kumar from Jehanabad and Ram Kumar Sharma from Sitamarhi--the former has been charting an independent course for past two years.

Sharma, who initially made statements in favour of NDA and Nitish Kumar later changed his stance and was seen with Kushwaha when he had announced his resignation from the cabinet and also severing ties with the NDA in Delhi.

We had been stating since long that we were in favour of the RLSP remaining in the NDA but Kushwaha, who was more interested in his personal gains, paid no heed, Shyam said pointing to the RLSP chiefs quitting announcement on Monday.

The RLSP MLC alleged that Khushwaha had of late been making noises about the RLSP bot being considered for a ministerial berth after Chief Minister Nitish Kumar returned to the NDA last year.&nbsp;

In reality, he never tried. When ministerial berths were being allocated among allies he was simply roaming around in Patna, Shyam claimed.

Khushwaha was happy with his own ministerial berth at the Centre. After that his entire attention had been on getting a deal that served his interests better. He simply did not care that somebody from his party should get a ministerial berth in the state as well, he added.

Replying to a query, he said neither he nor Paswan want ministerial berths.

We would like Sudhanshu Shekhar's inclusion in the state council of ministers and we would be hugely disappointed if he is not considered for the same, he said.

We are not defectors. Rather, we represent the real RLSP. Our stance is in line with the sentiments of most workers and office-bearers in the party. We will soon be approaching the Election Commission with our claim, he added.

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RLSP MLA Lalan Paswan: RLSP is ours. Sudhanshu Shekhar Ji (RLSP MLA) should be made a minister in NDA. We are in the NDA since the start. We want to make Narendra Modi the prime minister again in 2019. We've no relations with Upendra Kushwaha Ji now, he went with Mahagathbandhan <a href="https://t.co/q9cQBCCUZD">pic.twitter.com/q9cQBCCUZD</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1073928036196773889?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 15, 2018</a></blockquote>
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NDA leaders in Bihar were not immediately available for comments on the development.&nbsp;

However, rumblings within the party had come to the fore last month when Shekhar and Paswan turned up at a meeting of BJP legislature party held at the residence of Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi.&nbsp;

The RLSP Saturday received a major setback with all its members in the bicameral legislature of Bihar declaring that they were still with the NDA as they accused party president Upendra Kushwaha of pursuing personal interests in announcing a break up with the coalition.

The RLSP Saturday received a major setback with all its members in the bicameral legislature of Bihar declaring that they were still with the NDA as they accused party president Upendra Kushwaha of pursuing personal interests in announcing a break up with the coalition. Both the Rashtriya Lok Samata Party (RLSP) MLAs-- Sudhanshu Shekhar and Lalan Paswan-- and its lone MLC-Sanjiv Singh Shyam- made a statement to this effect at a joint press conference in Patna. They also pitched for a ministerial berth for Shekhar a first-term MLA and the youngest among the three. We will also approach the Election Commission with the claim that we represent the real RLSP and we enjoy the support of most workers and office-bearers in the party, Shyam said making it clear that the RLSP was heading towards a split. RLSP which fought the 2014 general election as well the 2015 state polls as a NDA constituent has altogether three MPs, including Kushwaha, two MLAs and one MLC in Bihar. While the three Legislators have announced their separation from Kushwaha, among the two other Lok Sabha members--Arun Kumar from Jehanabad and Ram Kumar Sharma from Sitamarhi--the former has been charting an independent course for past two years. Sharma, who initially made statements in favour of NDA and Nitish Kumar later changed his stance and was seen with Kushwaha when he had announced his resignation from the cabinet and also severing ties with the NDA in Delhi. We had been stating since long that we were in favour of the RLSP remaining in the NDA but Kushwaha, who was more interested in his personal gains, paid no heed, Shyam said pointing to the RLSP chiefs quitting announcement on Monday. The RLSP MLC alleged that Khushwaha had of late been making noises about the RLSP bot being considered for a ministerial berth after Chief Minister Nitish Kumar returned to the NDA last year. In reality, he never tried. When ministerial berths were being allocated among allies he was simply roaming around in Patna, Shyam claimed. Khushwaha was happy with his own ministerial berth at the Centre. After that his entire attention had been on getting a deal that served his interests better. He simply did not care that somebody from his party should get a ministerial berth in the state as well, he added. Replying to a query, he said neither he nor Paswan want ministerial berths. We would like Sudhanshu Shekhar's inclusion in the state council of ministers and we would be hugely disappointed if he is not considered for the same, he said. We are not defectors. Rather, we represent the real RLSP. Our stance is in line with the sentiments of most workers and office-bearers in the party. We will soon be approaching the Election Commission with our claim, he added. RLSP MLA Lalan Paswan: RLSP is ours. Sudhanshu Shekhar Ji (RLSP MLA) should be made a minister in NDA. We are in the NDA since the start. We want to make Narendra Modi the prime minister again in 2019. We've no relations with Upendra Kushwaha Ji now, he went with Mahagathbandhan pic.twitter.com/q9cQBCCUZD — ANI (@ANI) December 15, 2018 × NDA leaders in Bihar were not immediately available for comments on the development. However, rumblings within the party had come to the fore last month when Shekhar and Paswan turned up at a meeting of BJP legislature party held at the residence of Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi.

RLSP legislators revolt; declare they will remain in NDA

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rbi-governor-urjit-patel-resigns-cites-personal-reasons-182915">RBI Governor Urjit Patel resigns, says it's for 'personal reasons'</a>

RBI Governor Urjit Patel has resigned, saying he was doing so for "personal reasons".&nbsp;

"On account of personal reasons, I have decided to step down from my current position (RBI Governor) effective immediately. It has been my privilege and honour to serve in the Reserve Bank of India in various capacities over the years," Patel said in a statement.&nbsp;

Pointedly, he did not mention the finance ministry or the government in his statement.&nbsp;

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/legal-team-will-take-proper-steps-over-whatever-judgement-is-pronounced-mallya-182872">UK court orders Vijay Mallya's extradition to India, CBI says 'we welcome the verdict'</a>

UK's Westminster Magistrates' Court on Monday ordered liquor baron Vijay Mallya's extradition to India.

According to reports, Mallya has 14 days to appeal his extradition in the High Court.&nbsp;

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-will-continue-to-lend-full-support-to-people-of-kashmir-imran-khan-182917">Pakistan will continue to lend full support to people of Kashmir: Imran Khan</a>

Pakistan would continue to lend full diplomatic, political and moral support to the people of Jammu and Kashmir, Prime Minister Imran Khan said Monday.&nbsp;

Khan's remarks came in a message on the Human Rights Day which is observed every year on December 10.

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/had-bitter-experience-tried-putting-forth-my-words-while-in-nda-rlsp-chief-upendra-kushwaha-quits-as-union-minister-pulls-out-from-nda-182866">'Bihar is still where it was,' RLSP chief Upendra Kushwaha says after pulling out of NDA</a>

RLSP Chief Upendra Kushwaha quit as union minister on Monday and stated that his party will no longer be a part of the National Democratic Alliance.&nbsp;

The minister stated that he has had a "bitter experience" with the BJP, adding that Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar "has done injustice to people of all fronts".&nbsp;

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/eu-insists-will-not-renegotiate-brexit-deal-182934">EU says it will not renegotiate Brexit deal</a>

The EU has already offered Britain the "best and only possible" Brexit divorce deal and will not renegotiate it, the European Commission warned Monday on the eve of a vote in the British parliament.

"Our position has not changed and as far as we're concerned the United Kingdom is leaving the European Union on the 29th of March 2019," spokeswoman Mina Andreeva told reporters.

RBI Governor Urjit Patel resigns, says it's for 'personal reasons' RBI Governor Urjit Patel has resigned, saying he was doing so for "personal reasons". "On account of personal reasons, I have decided to step down from my current position (RBI Governor) effective immediately.

RBI Governor Urjit Patel resigns, says it's for 'personal reasons' RBI Governor Urjit Patel has resigned, saying he was doing so for "personal reasons". "On account of personal reasons, I have decided to step down from my current position (RBI Governor) effective immediately. It has been my privilege and honour to serve in the Reserve Bank of India in various capacities over the years," Patel said in a statement. Pointedly, he did not mention the finance ministry or the government in his statement. UK court orders Vijay Mallya's extradition to India, CBI says 'we welcome the verdict' UK's Westminster Magistrates' Court on Monday ordered liquor baron Vijay Mallya's extradition to India. According to reports, Mallya has 14 days to appeal his extradition in the High Court. Pakistan will continue to lend full support to people of Kashmir: Imran Khan Pakistan would continue to lend full diplomatic, political and moral support to the people of Jammu and Kashmir, Prime Minister Imran Khan said Monday. Khan's remarks came in a message on the Human Rights Day which is observed every year on December 10. 'Bihar is still where it was,' RLSP chief Upendra Kushwaha says after pulling out of NDA RLSP Chief Upendra Kushwaha quit as union minister on Monday and stated that his party will no longer be a part of the National Democratic Alliance. The minister stated that he has had a "bitter experience" with the BJP, adding that Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar "has done injustice to people of all fronts". EU says it will not renegotiate Brexit deal The EU has already offered Britain the "best and only possible" Brexit divorce deal and will not renegotiate it, the European Commission warned Monday on the eve of a vote in the British parliament. "Our position has not changed and as far as we're concerned the United Kingdom is leaving the European Union on the 29th of March 2019," spokeswoman Mina Andreeva told reporters.

News brief: Big stories of the day

RLSP Chief Upendra Kushwaha on Monday <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rlsp-chief-upendra-kushwaha-quits-as-union-minister-likely-to-quit-nda-reports-182855">quit as union minister</a> and stated that his party will no longer be a part of the National Democratic Alliance.&nbsp;

The minister stated that he has "bitter experience" with the BJP, adding that Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar "has done injustice to people of all fronts."

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RLSP Chief Upendra Kushwaha: I had a bitter experience. I had attempted to put forth my words strongly while in NDA so that the people of Bihar get justice. But even after all these efforts, BJP stood with Bihar CM. Nitish ji has done injustice to people on all fronts. <a href="https://t.co/DK2YdAPUJC">pic.twitter.com/DK2YdAPUJC</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1072052051297865728?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 10, 2018</a></blockquote>
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"I had a bitter experience. I had attempted to put forth my words strongly while in NDA so that the people of Bihar get justice. But even after all these efforts, BJP stood with Bihar's CM. Nitish ji has done injustice to people on all fronts," Kushwaha noted.

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RLSP Chief Upendra Kushwaha after his resignation as Union Minister: Narendra Modi ji couldn't meet expectations of the people of Bihar. Nothing was done for special status. Bihar is still where it was earlier. Education &amp; health system is non-existent.Nothing was done for Bihar. <a href="https://t.co/3D2QbVW8y4">pic.twitter.com/3D2QbVW8y4</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1072048106152312832?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 10, 2018</a></blockquote>
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He said that his decision to serve the resignation came after observing things and he felt he "shouldn't have stayed in the cabinet even for a minute to implement the RSS agenda."&nbsp;

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RLSP Chief Upendra Kushwaha: Koshish inki (BJP) nirantar rahi hamari party ko barbad karne ka,Nitish ji ki alag koshish rahi aur dono mil gaye.Nitish ji ke saath khade huye BJP ke log,aur mera apmaan shuru ho gaya.Nitish ji ne saarvjanik roop se mujhe neech keh ke sambodhit kiya. <a href="https://t.co/PjdvP18RnA">pic.twitter.com/PjdvP18RnA</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1072053756622188545?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 10, 2018</a></blockquote>
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"After observing everything I feel I shouldn't have stayed in the cabinet even for a minute to implement RSS agenda. So I tendered my resignation as the Union Minister and I've also decided that Rashtriya Lok Samta Party will no longer be a part of NDA," he told reporters.&nbsp;

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RLSP Chief Upendra Kushwaha: After observing everything I feel I shouldn't have stayed in the cabinet even for a minute to implement RSS agenda. So I tendered my resignation as the Union Minister &amp; I've also decided that Rashtriya Lok Samta Party will no longer be a part of NDA. <a href="https://t.co/bOVxQLZNUw">pic.twitter.com/bOVxQLZNUw</a>
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"Koshish inki (BJP) nirantar rahi hamari party ko barbad karne ka, Nitish ji ki alag koshish rahi aur dono mil gaye. Nitish ji ke saath khade huye BJP ke log, aur mera apmaan shuru ho gaya. Nitish ji ne saarvjanik roop se mujhe neech keh ke sambodhit kiya," the minister added.&nbsp;

Kushwaha also accused the Prime Minister of not meeting the expectations of the people of Bihar.&nbsp;

"Narendra Modi ji couldn't meet expectations of the people of Bihar. Nothing was done for special status. Bihar is still where it was earlier. Education and health system is non-existent. Nothing was done for Bihar," the minister stated.&nbsp;

Rashtriya Lok Samata Party president Upendra Kushwaha on Monday resigned from the Union council of ministers, a day ahead of the start of Parliament’s Winter Session and triggering a realignment of political equations in Bihar.

Kushwaha was the Minister of State for Human Resource Development (HRD) in the Government of India.

"Nearly five years ago I joined the National Democratic Alliance, under your leadership, with tremendous hope and expectations. During the Lok Sabha elections of 2014, you made several commitments to the people of Bihar and to the nation at large. It was in this context that I had extended my unconditional support to the BJP," the minister of state wrote in his resignation letter to PM Narendra Modi.

(With inputs from PTI)&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

RLSP Chief Upendra Kushwaha on Monday quit as union minister and stated that his party will no longer be a part of the National Democratic Alliance. The minister stated that he has "bitter experience" with the BJP, adding that Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar "has done injustice to people of all fronts.

RLSP Chief Upendra Kushwaha on Monday quit as union minister and stated that his party will no longer be a part of the National Democratic Alliance. The minister stated that he has "bitter experience" with the BJP, adding that Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar "has done injustice to people of all fronts." RLSP Chief Upendra Kushwaha: I had a bitter experience. I had attempted to put forth my words strongly while in NDA so that the people of Bihar get justice. But even after all these efforts, BJP stood with Bihar CM. Nitish ji has done injustice to people on all fronts. pic.twitter.com/DK2YdAPUJC — ANI (@ANI) December 10, 2018 × "I had a bitter experience. I had attempted to put forth my words strongly while in NDA so that the people of Bihar get justice. But even after all these efforts, BJP stood with Bihar's CM. Nitish ji has done injustice to people on all fronts," Kushwaha noted. RLSP Chief Upendra Kushwaha after his resignation as Union Minister: Narendra Modi ji couldn't meet expectations of the people of Bihar. Nothing was done for special status. Bihar is still where it was earlier. Education & health system is non-existent.Nothing was done for Bihar. pic.twitter.com/3D2QbVW8y4 — ANI (@ANI) December 10, 2018 × He said that his decision to serve the resignation came after observing things and he felt he "shouldn't have stayed in the cabinet even for a minute to implement the RSS agenda." RLSP Chief Upendra Kushwaha: Koshish inki (BJP) nirantar rahi hamari party ko barbad karne ka,Nitish ji ki alag koshish rahi aur dono mil gaye.Nitish ji ke saath khade huye BJP ke log,aur mera apmaan shuru ho gaya.Nitish ji ne saarvjanik roop se mujhe neech keh ke sambodhit kiya. pic.twitter.com/PjdvP18RnA — ANI (@ANI) December 10, 2018 × "After observing everything I feel I shouldn't have stayed in the cabinet even for a minute to implement RSS agenda. So I tendered my resignation as the Union Minister and I've also decided that Rashtriya Lok Samta Party will no longer be a part of NDA," he told reporters. RLSP Chief Upendra Kushwaha: After observing everything I feel I shouldn't have stayed in the cabinet even for a minute to implement RSS agenda. So I tendered my resignation as the Union Minister & I've also decided that Rashtriya Lok Samta Party will no longer be a part of NDA. pic.twitter.com/bOVxQLZNUw — ANI (@ANI) December 10, 2018 × "Koshish inki (BJP) nirantar rahi hamari party ko barbad karne ka, Nitish ji ki alag koshish rahi aur dono mil gaye. Nitish ji ke saath khade huye BJP ke log, aur mera apmaan shuru ho gaya. Nitish ji ne saarvjanik roop se mujhe neech keh ke sambodhit kiya," the minister added. Kushwaha also accused the Prime Minister of not meeting the expectations of the people of Bihar. "Narendra Modi ji couldn't meet expectations of the people of Bihar. Nothing was done for special status. Bihar is still where it was earlier. Education and health system is non-existent. Nothing was done for Bihar," the minister stated. Rashtriya Lok Samata Party president Upendra Kushwaha on Monday resigned from the Union council of ministers, a day ahead of the start of Parliament’s Winter Session and triggering a realignment of political equations in Bihar. Kushwaha was the Minister of State for Human Resource Development (HRD) in the Government of India. "Nearly five years ago I joined the National Democratic Alliance, under your leadership, with tremendous hope and expectations. During the Lok Sabha elections of 2014, you made several commitments to the people of Bihar and to the nation at large. It was in this context that I had extended my unconditional support to the BJP," the minister of state wrote in his resignation letter to PM Narendra Modi. (With inputs from PTI)

'Bihar is still where it was,' RLSP chief Upendra Kushwaha says after pulling out of NDA

The BJP said on Thursday it expected<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/seat-sharing-issue-may-pose-threat-for-nda-in-future-rlsp-leader-upendra-kushwaha-177906"> Union minister Upendra Kushwaha</a> to maintain decorum and sanctity of the alliance and cautioned the RLSP chief against joining hands with "corrupt, casteist and family-based" parties like the Congress and the RJD.

The BJP's Bihar unit made the remarks in the light of the barrage of attacks launched by Kushwaha at a rally in East Champaran district earlier in the day on the issues of his party not getting its due in seat-sharing among NDA constituents for the Lok Sabha polls and the saffron party raking up the Ayodhya tangle as a poll plank.

"Upendra Kushwaha is a respected minister in the Union government and an NDA ally. So, on moral and ideological grounds, he is expected to maintain decorum and sanctity of the alliance. The BJP has given due space to all its allies, with due respect to their leaders," Bihar BJP spokesman Nikhil Anand said in a statement.

"As for terming Ram Mandir as an unnecessary issue, the BJP has been very clear about its ideological stand. Ram Mandir is an emotional issue for 125 crore Indians and the BJP is committed to building the same at Ram Janmabhoomi in Ayodhya," he said.

Anand added that when Kushwaha entered into an alliance with the BJP, the issue of Ram Mandir was still there.

After breaking away from Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumars JD(U) in 2013, Kushwaha went on to float his own outfit and joined the NDA ahead of the Lok Sabha polls the following year.

The BJP spokesman also said for the last four-and-a-half years, Kushwaha has always been supporting programmes and policies of the Narendra Modi government.

"We cannot say in what context he is making all these statements, he said.

Anand said he hopes Kushwaha will continue in the NDA where he is presently the minister of state for HRD, and not join the "corrupt, casteist and family-based parties" of Rahul Gandhi and Tejashwi Yadav.

The RJD and the Congress, which together form the opposition Grand Alliance in the state, have been trying to woo the Rashtriya Lok Samta Party (RLSP) chief, who has been sulking over the diminution of his standing within the NDA ever since Nitish Kumar returned to the BJP-led coalition last year after walking out of the Mahagathbandhan in Bihar.

The RLSP chief has often made public his unhappiness over the seat-sharing issue for the Lok Sabha polls by criticising the leadership of the BJP and the JD(U) 
The BJP and the JD(U) offered the RLSP just two seats of the total 40 Lok Sabha seats in Bihar. Kushwaha had said that the number of seats the party was offered was not respectable and asked the BJP to do a rethink by November 30.

RLSP sources had hinted on Wednesday that the party was likely to sever ties with the NDA government and a formal announcement would be made on Thursday.&nbsp;

The BJP said on Thursday it expected Union minister Upendra Kushwaha to maintain decorum and sanctity of the alliance and cautioned the RLSP chief against joining hands with "corrupt, casteist and family-based" parties like the Congress and the RJD.

The BJP said on Thursday it expected Union minister Upendra Kushwaha to maintain decorum and sanctity of the alliance and cautioned the RLSP chief against joining hands with "corrupt, casteist and family-based" parties like the Congress and the RJD. The BJP's Bihar unit made the remarks in the light of the barrage of attacks launched by Kushwaha at a rally in East Champaran district earlier in the day on the issues of his party not getting its due in seat-sharing among NDA constituents for the Lok Sabha polls and the saffron party raking up the Ayodhya tangle as a poll plank. "Upendra Kushwaha is a respected minister in the Union government and an NDA ally. So, on moral and ideological grounds, he is expected to maintain decorum and sanctity of the alliance. The BJP has given due space to all its allies, with due respect to their leaders," Bihar BJP spokesman Nikhil Anand said in a statement. "As for terming Ram Mandir as an unnecessary issue, the BJP has been very clear about its ideological stand. Ram Mandir is an emotional issue for 125 crore Indians and the BJP is committed to building the same at Ram Janmabhoomi in Ayodhya," he said. Anand added that when Kushwaha entered into an alliance with the BJP, the issue of Ram Mandir was still there. After breaking away from Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumars JD(U) in 2013, Kushwaha went on to float his own outfit and joined the NDA ahead of the Lok Sabha polls the following year. The BJP spokesman also said for the last four-and-a-half years, Kushwaha has always been supporting programmes and policies of the Narendra Modi government. "We cannot say in what context he is making all these statements, he said. Anand said he hopes Kushwaha will continue in the NDA where he is presently the minister of state for HRD, and not join the "corrupt, casteist and family-based parties" of Rahul Gandhi and Tejashwi Yadav. The RJD and the Congress, which together form the opposition Grand Alliance in the state, have been trying to woo the Rashtriya Lok Samta Party (RLSP) chief, who has been sulking over the diminution of his standing within the NDA ever since Nitish Kumar returned to the BJP-led coalition last year after walking out of the Mahagathbandhan in Bihar. The RLSP chief has often made public his unhappiness over the seat-sharing issue for the Lok Sabha polls by criticising the leadership of the BJP and the JD(U) The BJP and the JD(U) offered the RLSP just two seats of the total 40 Lok Sabha seats in Bihar. Kushwaha had said that the number of seats the party was offered was not respectable and asked the BJP to do a rethink by November 30. RLSP sources had hinted on Wednesday that the party was likely to sever ties with the NDA government and a formal announcement would be made on Thursday.

Expect Kushwaha to maintain sanctity of alliance: BJP

Hinting at a possible<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-seat-offer-for-ls-election-not-respectable-kushwaha-177856"> rift with its alliance in Bihar</a>,&nbsp;Upendra Kushwaha, the leader of&nbsp;Rashtriya Lok Samata Party said on Saturday that the conflict of seat sharing with the NDA may pose a threat for the alliance in future.

"Our party has decided not to accept the number of seats offered to us (RLSP) by BJP for the General Elections 2019. We tried to meet BJP chief but could not meet him. Now that the issue is not sorted it might pose a great threat for NDA in future".

He further said that there were some people in Bihar's NDA who do not want to see Narendra Modi as the prime minister in 2019.&nbsp;

Khushwaha also added that the BJP should decide the number of seats for the RLSP by November end.&nbsp;

"BJP should decide a respectful number of seats for our party by November end. Now I'll not make any move from my end to meet anyone from BJP. However, I'll try to meet PM once. There are some people&nbsp;in Bihar's NDA who don't want to see Modi Ji be the PM in 2019", he said.

The RLSP chief is at loggerheads with Nitish Kumar over the Bihar chief minister's recent remarks against him. Kumar, also the JD(U) president, had refused to join issue with Kushwaha over seat-sharing between NDA partners in Bihar, saying "Itna neeche baat ko nahi le jaiye" (do not take the debate to such a low level).

Bihar has a total of 40 Lok Sabha seats. The BJP and the JD(U) have decided to contest equal number of seats. The fourth partner of the NDA in Bihar is Ram Vilas Paswan's Lok Janshakti Party.

&nbsp;

Hinting at a possible rift with its alliance in Bihar, Upendra Kushwaha, the leader of Rashtriya Lok Samata Party said on Saturday that the conflict of seat sharing with the NDA may pose a threat for the alliance in future.

Hinting at a possible rift with its alliance in Bihar, Upendra Kushwaha, the leader of Rashtriya Lok Samata Party said on Saturday that the conflict of seat sharing with the NDA may pose a threat for the alliance in future. "Our party has decided not to accept the number of seats offered to us (RLSP) by BJP for the General Elections 2019. We tried to meet BJP chief but could not meet him. Now that the issue is not sorted it might pose a great threat for NDA in future". He further said that there were some people in Bihar's NDA who do not want to see Narendra Modi as the prime minister in 2019. Khushwaha also added that the BJP should decide the number of seats for the RLSP by November end. "BJP should decide a respectful number of seats for our party by November end. Now I'll not make any move from my end to meet anyone from BJP. However, I'll try to meet PM once. There are some people in Bihar's NDA who don't want to see Modi Ji be the PM in 2019", he said. The RLSP chief is at loggerheads with Nitish Kumar over the Bihar chief minister's recent remarks against him. Kumar, also the JD(U) president, had refused to join issue with Kushwaha over seat-sharing between NDA partners in Bihar, saying "Itna neeche baat ko nahi le jaiye" (do not take the debate to such a low level). Bihar has a total of 40 Lok Sabha seats. The BJP and the JD(U) have decided to contest equal number of seats. The fourth partner of the NDA in Bihar is Ram Vilas Paswan's Lok Janshakti Party.

Seat sharing issue may pose threat for NDA in future: RLSP leader Upendra Kushwaha

Union minister and Rashtriya Lok Samta Party chief Upendra Kushwaha has dismissed speculation he would exit the ruling NDA, asserting his party stands committed to the alliance and is working to ensure a second five-year term for Narendra Modi as prime minister.

Kushwaha emphasized his party will take forward its "Halla Bol, Darwaza Khol" campaign with full determination to ensure representation of every section of society in higher judiciary.

In an interview to PTI-Bhasha, he said, "The NDA alliance is moving forward strongly, we are and we will remain committed to making it even stronger."

Asked about his remark that milk from Yadavs and rice from Kushwahas can help prepare delicious "kheer" (rice pudding), the minister of state for human resource development said, "The remark was taken out of context. The message was for society, this was not a political comment".

He said if every section of society contributes some ingredients to prepare kheer, it will help cement the social fabric and the country will together move ahead.

He said if a Yaduvanshi contributes milk, a Brahmin sends sugar, a person from the backward community gives dry fruits, Tulsi leaves come from the home of a Dalit person, the kheer prepared by this method and savoured on a dastarkhan of a Muslim brother will make the country stronger.

"And this is also the intent of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas," Kushwaha said, referring to Prime Minister Modi's slogan about collective effort for inclusive growth. 
The Rashtriya Lok Samta Party chief said his previous kheer remark had no political context but people are free to speculate.

Asked about the indication by Tejaswi Yadav and other RJD leaders that he will join the Mahagathbandhan in Bihar, Kushwaha said, "They will be disappointed".

On seat-sharing arrangement with the BJP, he said talks are on and all discussions will happen on the right forum.

He said his party's objective is to ensure all-round development, education for all and protecting the interests of the Scheduled Castes, the Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Classes.

For social justice, Kushwaha stressed, the biggest issue was ensuring representation of every section of society in higher judiciary which is difficult to achieve through the existing collegium system.

The collegium system of appointing judges is undemocratic and his party has launched the "Halla Bol, Darwaza Khol" campaign to open the doors of higher judiciary to common people, he said.

In the coming days, he said, his party will take the campaign forward strongly.

The Union minister from Bihar also raised questions on the law and order situation in the state and said he was not the only one worried, but Chief Minister Nitish Kumar too has expressed concern on the matter during a meeting with senior police officers.

The situation is not satisfactory and this cannot be denied, Kushwaha said.

Union minister and Rashtriya Lok Samta Party chief Upendra Kushwaha has dismissed speculation he would exit the ruling NDA, asserting his party stands committed to the alliance and is working to ensure a second five-year term for Narendra Modi as prime minister.

Union minister and Rashtriya Lok Samta Party chief Upendra Kushwaha has dismissed speculation he would exit the ruling NDA, asserting his party stands committed to the alliance and is working to ensure a second five-year term for Narendra Modi as prime minister. Kushwaha emphasized his party will take forward its "Halla Bol, Darwaza Khol" campaign with full determination to ensure representation of every section of society in higher judiciary. In an interview to PTI-Bhasha, he said, "The NDA alliance is moving forward strongly, we are and we will remain committed to making it even stronger." Asked about his remark that milk from Yadavs and rice from Kushwahas can help prepare delicious "kheer" (rice pudding), the minister of state for human resource development said, "The remark was taken out of context. The message was for society, this was not a political comment". He said if every section of society contributes some ingredients to prepare kheer, it will help cement the social fabric and the country will together move ahead. He said if a Yaduvanshi contributes milk, a Brahmin sends sugar, a person from the backward community gives dry fruits, Tulsi leaves come from the home of a Dalit person, the kheer prepared by this method and savoured on a dastarkhan of a Muslim brother will make the country stronger. "And this is also the intent of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas," Kushwaha said, referring to Prime Minister Modi's slogan about collective effort for inclusive growth. The Rashtriya Lok Samta Party chief said his previous kheer remark had no political context but people are free to speculate. Asked about the indication by Tejaswi Yadav and other RJD leaders that he will join the Mahagathbandhan in Bihar, Kushwaha said, "They will be disappointed". On seat-sharing arrangement with the BJP, he said talks are on and all discussions will happen on the right forum. He said his party's objective is to ensure all-round development, education for all and protecting the interests of the Scheduled Castes, the Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Classes. For social justice, Kushwaha stressed, the biggest issue was ensuring representation of every section of society in higher judiciary which is difficult to achieve through the existing collegium system. The collegium system of appointing judges is undemocratic and his party has launched the "Halla Bol, Darwaza Khol" campaign to open the doors of higher judiciary to common people, he said. In the coming days, he said, his party will take the campaign forward strongly. The Union minister from Bihar also raised questions on the law and order situation in the state and said he was not the only one worried, but Chief Minister Nitish Kumar too has expressed concern on the matter during a meeting with senior police officers. The situation is not satisfactory and this cannot be denied, Kushwaha said.

RLSP stands with NDA, committed to make Modi PM again: Upendra Kushwaha

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