2019 Lok Sabha elections: NDA’s seat-sharing plans tied in knots as LJP, RLSP reject ‘50-50 formula’ of JD(U)-BJP

According to sources, as per the formula, the BJP and JD(U) would contest on 17 seats each and allot the rest six seats to LJP and RLSP ---- while LJP would get four seats, RLSP would get two.
(L-R) RLSP chief Upendra Kushwaha and LJP chief Ram Vilas Paswan. (Photos | PTI)
(L-R) RLSP chief Upendra Kushwaha and LJP chief Ram Vilas Paswan. (Photos | PTI)

PATNA: The new ‘50-50 formula’ devised by BJP and JD(U) for sharing Bihar’s 40 Lok Sabha seats among NDA’s four parties faced trouble on Tuesday as Ram Vilas Paswan’s LJP and Upendra Kushwaha’s RLSP rejected it.

While LJP upped the ante, demanding additional seats in neighbouring Uttar Pradesh and Jharkhand, RLSP said it expects to get more than three seats to contest in Bihar. Sources the ‘50-50 formula’ floated by BJP and JD(U) has caused deep disappointments in the two smaller NDA partners.

As per the new formula, which is yet to be officially announced, BJP and JD(U) would contest on 17 seats each and allot the rest six seats to LJP and RLSP. While LJP would get four seats, RLSP would get two. In the 2014 Lok Sabha polls, LJP had contested on seven seats and won six, while RLSP had won all the three seats it had contested.

“These seat-sharing numbers are based on speculation in the media, but we will not accept any less than seven seats. Besides, we also expect to be allotted seats in Uttar Pradesh and Jharkhand as we also have a strong support base there,” said LJP’s Bihar president Pasupati Kumar Paras, who is also a minister in the state government.

RLSP national general secretary and spokesperson Madhaw Anand rejected the ’50-50 formula’, saying there has been no formal meeting of NDA over sharing of seats in Bihar and a final decision on this is due.

“If any such formula comes up in total disregard of RLSP’s enhanced support base in Bihar, we will reject it. Our aim for 2019 is the same as BJP’s – to ensure that Narendra Modi becomes PM again. So we expect to get more than three seats,” he added.

Sources in BJP and JD(U) said the new formula is the result of the one-upmanship game between the two parties, which resumed their alliance last year after a four-year break. “This formula has been agreed upon amid indications that RLSP could switch sides,” said a senior BJP leader.

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