Janata factions struggle in their bid to unite
Given that it is taking longer than imagined for the erstwhile Janata factions to unite as one entity, there is the temptation to write off the effort as a failed one. But this would be a hasty conclusion. It is true that the unification programme has run into hurdles, with differences cropping up primarily between the Bihar-based parties, the Janata Dal (United) and the Rashtriya Janata Dal.
It is also a fact that sections within the Samajwadi Party are apprehensive of the fall-out on their party of a unified Janata parivar. But no leader has thrown in the towel yet, and there are enough indications that contentious matters will get resolved sooner or later. Both the RJD and the JD(U) know they cannot individually take on a resurgent Bharatiya Janata Party in Bihar, where an Assembly election is due in five months. Coming together, therefore, has become more of a political necessity than a genuine desire.
The problem is that RJD supremo lalu Prasad has opened lines of communication with Mr Jitan Ram Manjhi, former Chief Minister and one-time-ally-turned-bitter-critic of Chief Minister and JD(U) leader Nitish Kumar. The Chief Minister has been so miffed that he skipped a meeting Samajwadi Party chief Mulayam Singh Yadav — unanimously selected to head the yet-to-be-born political entity — had recently called to take the merger process forward. While Mr Nitish Kumar abstained on health grounds, JD(U) president Sharad Yadav is reported to have walked out midway through the meeting on the issue of roping in Mr Manjhi to be part of the new group.
Also, despite their public display of new-found affection for each other, both lalu Prasad and Mr Nitish Kumar are determined not to allow the other to steal a march. The clash of egos is indeed holding back the merger. On the other hand, the Samajwadi Party stands to gain electorally little in its stronghold Uttar Pradesh by the unity. Neither the RJD nor the JD(U) nor Mr Manjhi is a factor there. Mr Yadav's battle with the Bahujan Samaj Party and the BJP will not become easier with the merger. On the contrary, Samajwadi Party supporters believe that a new name with a new symbol will dilute the gains their party has made in Uttar Pradesh over the years of its existence.
All the same, the three parties have gone too far in their ambition and public pronouncements to now backtrack and still be left with credibility. They have no way to go but forward. If the snags persist, though, it is possible that the RJD and the JD(U) will, as a last resort, strike a seat-sharing arrangement for the coming Assembly election — leaving the merger for a later day. Although even seat-sharing can prove tricky, it may be the only option left. However, it is possible that, with five months or so still to go for the electoral battle, a renewed push for merger may just about succeed. Whatever happens, Bihar is poised for an interesting contest.