Ramvilas Paswan’s son Chirag says if BJP does not take its allies in confidence, 2019 could be a tricky road for the party.
New Delhi: After the Telugu Desam Party and the Shiv Sena, another key NDA ally — Ramvilas Paswan-led Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) — has cautioned the BJP against its big-brother attitude.
Paswan’s son and LJP MP Chirag Paswan Friday advised the BJP to listen more to allies.
“Allies are getting upset. If BJP does not take allies in confidence, 2019 could be a tricky road for the BJP,” Chirag said speaking to the media in the Parliament complex Friday.
“(Jitan Ram) Manjhi has gone his own way in Bihar and I am hearing Upendra Kushwaha (Rashtriya Lok Samata Party chief) is also not happy. This is not a good thing,” he added.
Coming hours after the TDP walking out of the NDA, Chirag’s statement could well set alarm bells ringing in the BJP.
The young actor-turned-MP spoke extensively about the problems in the NDA and the lessons BJP needs to learn from its defeat in the recent bypolls in Uttar Pradesh.
Paswan junior said the BJP needs to address the problems its allies are facing in NDA.
Earlier in the day, TDP quit the BJP-led alliance and initiated a signature campaign to get a discussion in the Lok Sabha about a no confidence motion against the current government. The TDP move is seen as a counter to its archrival YSR Congress’ no confidence motion moved earlier.
Chirag’s concerns are also seen as an indication of a bigger unrest brewing in the NDA.
When asked about bypoll debacle in Uttar Pradesh, Chirag said that the defeat is a jolt to the BJP.
“No confidence motion in Parliament and losing bypolls is a matter of concern for the BJP. BJP…comes to power where it is not in power but retaining their own seats is becoming difficult,” he said.
“It is matter of concern for the 2019 polls. The NDA doesn’t have to worry about the Bihar bypolls just yet but it needs to re-work its (election) strategy,” added the MP.
On 14 March, Chirag tweeted, “Bypoll results a spirit dampener. But carries message that a little course correction may not be out of place. PM’s persona remains unassailable but in UP/Bihar strategies may have to be reworked.”