All options are now open including a tie-up with BJP: Paswan

Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) chief Ram Vilas Paswan on Wednesday said that the option of going in for an alliance with the BJP ahead of the Lok Sabha polls was open, as the Congress appeared to be non-serious on alliance talks.

Addressing media after the party's parliamentary board meet here, Paswan said, "Opinion in the Lok Janshakti Party is not against going with the BJP. Our options are open. In our party's interest we need to take tough decisions."

He further said: "There is less seriousness in Congress regarding alliance with the LJP. For six months we have been kept waiting but no final decision has been taken on seat-sharing."

"I had met both Sonia ji and CP Joshi ji twice and was told that the Congress would decide on seat-sharing by December 31, but nothing has happened," Paswan added.

Paswan further assured that a final decision on alliance will be taken in three to four days.

"We are open to alternative alliances, will decide in 3-4 days, not talking to anyone right now," he said.

Paswan's son Chirag said: "We are exploring options obviously because we are not happy with the current alliance."

Chirag had earlier said that a final decision on alliance with the BJP will be taken after the parliamentary board's meeting.

"Until now, no decision has been taken regarding any alliance. Parliamentary Board meeting will be held and only after that things will become clear," said Chirag.

On Sunday, LJP leader Suraj Bhaan had announced that talks have been on between the LJP and BJP regarding a possible alliance for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

"The alliance between the BJP and the LJP is confirmed. It will be officially announced soon," Bhaan had said.

LJP had earlier tied up with the Congress and the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) for the Lok Sabha polls.