Six Janata Parivar parties merge; Mulayam Singh to head new party

Apr 15 Six parties from the erstwhile Janata Parivar today formed a new Political outfit by announcing their merger. Samajwadi Party Chief Mulayam Singh Yadav will be the President of the new party. Briefing media after a meeting in this regard in New Delhi, JD(U) chief Sharad Yadav said the decision has been taken unanimously. He said that a six member committee has been formed to take a call on party's policies, name, election symbol, flag and other issues. The Committee includes RJD Chief Lalu Prasad, JD(S) chief and former Prime Minister H D Devegowda, INLD leader Abhay Chautala and Samajwadi Party's Ram Gopal Yadav. Mr. Yadav said that Mulayam Singh Yadav will also head the party’s Parliamentary Board. On the occasion, Mulayam Singh Yadav said that it is a historic decision and the new group will fulfill the expectation of all sections of the society including farmers and youth. He attacked NDA government saying the Centre has failed to keep the promises made during the Lok Sabha polls. Mr. Yadav also alleged that the government is not taking opposition on board on any issue and becoming egoistic. RJD Chief Lalu Prasad said the parties have come together to fight communal forces. He said their policy is to take BJP out of power by practicing politics of socialism and Bihar will be first battlefield. Mr. Prasad, however, evaded the question on who will lead the new party in the upcoming assembly elections in the state. Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar said the new outfit will emerge as a strong force to give a new direction to the country. On the occasion, H D Devegowda, INLD leader Abhay Chautala and other leaders of these parties were also present. Sources said the new party will be named either Samajwadi Janata Party or Samajwadi Janata Dal. It is likely to retain the cycle symbol of Samajwadi Party. Sources also said that Mulayam Singh Yadav could be the leader of the new group in the Lok Sabha while Sharad Yadav could be named its leader in the Rajya Sabha.