Janata Dal (United), which formed the government in Bihar by going alliance with RJD, has taken its first step in formation of a 'Mahagathbandhan' in Uttar Pradesh by supporting the Rashtriya lok Dal (RlD) of Ajit Singh in the three assembly by polls in the state next month.
The announcement to support the RlD candidates in three assembly by polls in Bikapur seat in Faizabad district, Muzaffarnagar sadar seat and Deoband in Saharanpur district, was made by JD (U) president Sharad Yadav.
"We have made the first step for a possible Bihar like Mahagathbandhan in UP 2017 polls. let us see what happens in future", he told reporters here.
He said RlD president Ajit Singh met him two days back seeking their support in the UP bypolls. “It is our first move and we hope several other parties would come forward and join us," he said.
However the leader gave enough indications that their alliance with Samajwadi Party in UP is out of question. “We gave SP supremo the steering of mahagathbandhan during Bihar Assembly
Election but he disheartened us," he said without making any comment on SP closeness to BJP.
Yadav, refused to open his cards about the alliance for UP polls." It is too early to comment. We have everything in mind even to project a CM candidate in UP polls", he further added.
Taking strong exception over the non entry of women inside the Shani Temple and at Haji Ali, Janata Dal (United) president Sharad Yadav today demanded from the Maharastra government to take strict action and if required the priests and the maulvis should be put in jail for preventing women inside the religious places.
"The Constitution has given equal rights to men and women and such act by the priests and the maulvis should not be tolerated," he said.
Yadav also ridiculed the statement of Maharastra CM saying it was the time to put in jail to those opposing entry on women at temples/shrines.
In his address, he expressed his concern over Rohith Vemula’s suicide case saying the incident exposed highhandedness of powerful persons towards the poor and deprived class. “It was painful learning that a research scholar of Hyderabad University had to choose to end his life due to the gross negligence of concern for the Dalits,’ he said.
"It is unfortunate that even after 70 years of our Independence a research scholar commits suicide by writing a letter that his birth in the society was a crime," he alleged. He further said castism and disparity compelled even Dr B R Ambedkar to convert himself to Buddhism in the last span of his life. Yadav said that the suicide has certainly shocked the country and something has to be done urgently.
Commenting on ongoing tussle over India Pakistan talks, the JD (U) president said that the talks should continue but on the other hand the country should strengthen its internal security.
The leader was, however, very critical on the Narendra Modi regime. "Neither the inflation neither came down nor were two crores of youths given jobs as was promised by the PM. Besides the youths who have studied in regional languages are the worst affected and are the most unemployed in the country, "he claimed.
Yadav said even after the failures, the Centre was still making fake announcements till date and promising for golden days ahead.