LJP MLA quits party to protest alliance with BJP

PATNA: LJP's lone MLA Zakir Hussain Khan on Wednesday resigned from all party posts in protest against party chief Ramvilas Paswan's inclination for forging an alliance with BJP.
"I vehemently protested Paswan's move to forge alliance with communal BJP at the party's parliamentary board meeting held in New Delhi on Wednesday. As the board decided in favour of a tie-up with BJP, I have resigned from all posts in the LJP, including its national vice-president and member of parliamentary board.I have also apprised Paswan and Parliamentary board chairman Chirag Paswan of my decision," Khan told TOI over phone from New Delhi.
"I also offered to resign from the membership of Bihar assembly, if Paswan asks for the same," Khan said while levelling allegation of nepotism against the LJP chief. "Paswan is forging alliance with BJP mainly to secure safe seats for his son Chirag Paswan and brother Ramchandra Paswan," Khan, who had stood second bagging over 2.5 lakh votes in 2009 parliamentary elections from Araria seat as LJP candidate, said.
Khan wanted to contest the Lok Sabha election from the same seat this year too. Since Araria seat is held by BJP, he lost all hopes to get ticket from LJP. Hence, he resigned from the party posts. Asked about his future plans, he said he would explore political options to strengthen secularism.
In 2010 assembly elections, altogether three MLAs won elections on LJP ticket. But two of them joined JD (U) soon after the assembly polls.