With slowed down momentum of the merger plan of ‘secular parties’, Nitish Kumar taking part in Jharkhand Vikas Morcha (JVM) national conclave holds some significance for the State ‘s future politics. However, chance of any breakthrough on announcement of the new outfit is bleak on Monday.
Party sources while confirming the Bihar Chief Minister and JD (U) national president presence for about one hour in the afternoon in the party session, called for electing new party president, said that the leader may hint and outline the issues coming in the way of the proposed merger.
“Unification of all secular and likeminded parties at national level has been the brainchild of Nitish Kumar. As per the information, there is no scope for any immediate announcement. Nevertheless, he may hint and say something in that direction and we can hope that something would come out,” JVM vice president Saba Ahmed on Sunday.
Merger of JD (U) and JVM with Ajit Singh’s RlD is on the cards and the idea had gained momentum after formal meeting of Nitish Kumar and Babulal Marandi about two months ago.
Earlier it was said that any announcement for the new party would be made during Nitish’s attending JVM’s conference but since the idea has reportedly developed some cold feet in the form of insufficient participants chipping in from other States, any announcement is not likely at present.
However, JVM maintains there is no stopping of the merger plan. “It is very well on the cards. We all understand the need of the bloc considering the advent of the communal politics in the country. But it has to be understood that the new party would be of national level and we have to look for a bigger alliance with left parties and Congress. Such things take time,” added Ahmed and stressed that mere presence of Nitish Kumar would be a confirmation that both the parties are willing to work together.
Nonetheless the JVM conference is all set to elect Babulal Marandi as its president for the third time in continuation.
Being Sunday the last day for filling nomination for the post, as expected, Marandi remained the lone person to stake claim and his unopposed election on Monday is just a formality.
“The party workers would elect him as president. He would also address party workers coming from block levels about new challenges. We will also review our policies and set programmes for the future,” said party national general secretary Pradeep Yadav. Marandi would later also form his own team by nominating office bearers.