Patna: It was yet another jolt to Mahagathbandhan in the run-up to the assembly election in Bihar. After RLSP chief Upendra Kushwaha showed his anger to RJD, one more partner VIP (Vikashsheel Insaan Party) expressed its displeasure over the seat-sharing agreement.
VIP chief Mukesh Sahni in an exclusive to ETV Bharat declared that he will make an exit from the Mahagathbandhan if a respectable seats would not be given to his party.
The tussle between the partners of Mahagathbandhan has now come into the public domain clearly showing that all is not well in the opposition.
“I will leave Mahagathbandhan if a respectable seat is not provided to us. There would be no compromise on the respectable seat. Doors are open for me as you know that politics is always a game of possibilities. I have a lot of options in front of me if things would not materialise in the Mahagathbandhan, “Sahni stressed adding that he should get at least 25 seats, not less than that.
Sahni also pointed out that if his demands are not met he will field candidates from all 243 assembly seats of Bihar.
In a short span of time, Sahni has established himself as leader of the Mallahs (fisherman community) who constitute about 8 percent of Bihar’s population. At present this community comes under the extremely backward class (EBC), who constitute about 30 percent of the electorate.
“Everyone knows my power, from chief minister Nitish Kumar to Amit Shah. I have conveyed my message to the top leadership of the Mahagathbandhan that how many seats my party should get and which post I should get if we form the government in Bihar, “said Sahni.
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One partner of Mahagathbandhan Jjtam Ram Manjhi has already deserted RJD and joined hands with Nitish Kumar, RLSP is equally not happy and now VIP chief has expressed his displeasure. Watching these political developments closely, it proves that RJD is currently going through a bumpy ride.
Sahni also said that going by the support base of his voters, he should get 80 seats but he has just demanded 25 seats.
Without naming JDU and BJP leaders, Sahni said that many leaders are continuously calling him and they are in touch with him with offers.
“It is understood that people will contact and I don't want to name anyone, “Sahni said.
He did not miss the opportunity to praise chief minister Nitish Kumar on the issue of government jobs to kin of any SC/ST person killed in Bihar.
“Decision for providing jobs to the kin of SC/ST killed in Bihar is praiseworthy. In fact, I would request the honourable CM to include extremely backward class (EBC) people as well in the decision, "Sahni said.
