JD(U) raises pitch for third front

Image
Press Trust of India New Delhi
Last Updated : Feb 08 2014 | 7:44 PM IST
JD(U) president Sharad Yadav today made a strong pitch for a "Third Force" in next Lok Sabha polls, saying the issue of leadership was never an impediment in formation of a non-Congress, non-BJP government.
"Due to the situation the country is facing because of BJP and Congress, we have decided to bring together parties to strengthen the Third Force," Yadav said.
"It is difficult to distinguish between what is right or wrong. Due to the atmosphere created by the two parties, real issue like corruption and unemployment have taken a back seat," he said.
Replying to queries about the prime ministerial candidate of the 'Third Front', Yadav said, "this problem may be in those two parties not among us... When there was no trouble so far, why a trouble will arise on this issue for us this time?
"The name of V P Singh was also not announced. Even when the United Front government was formed, the names were not decided before."
The party attended a national convention against communalism on October 30 last year, giving indications of its growing interest in a non-Congress-non BJP formation.
11 non-Congress and non-BJP parties formally joined hands on Wednesday as a block in Parliament to pitch for pro-people, anti-communal and federal agenda.
Referring to these two events, Yadav said that attempts are being made to give an alternative to Congress and BJP so that real issues like corruption and price rise could be addressed.
The JD(U) chief also ridiculed Narendra Modi.
"If he has become so desperate (to become PM), he should get the replica of Lal Qila behind him and take oath (of prime ministership) from P A Sangma, whom BJP had fielded (as their candidate in the presidential elections)," Yadav said.
JD (U), which was then in NDA, had not supported Sangma's candidature and backed UPA nominee Pranab Mukherjee raising eyebrows in the dispensation.
*Subscribe to Business Standard digital and get complimentary access to The New York Times

Smart Quarterly

₹900

3 Months

₹300/Month

SAVE 25%

Smart Essential

₹2,700

1 Year

₹225/Month

SAVE 46%
*Complimentary New York Times access for the 2nd year will be given after 12 months

Super Saver

₹3,900

2 Years

₹162/Month

Subscribe

Renews automatically, cancel anytime

Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans

Exclusive premium stories online

  • Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors

Complimentary Access to The New York Times

  • News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic

Business Standard Epaper

  • Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share

Curated Newsletters

  • Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox

Market Analysis & Investment Insights

  • In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor

Archives

  • Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997

Ad-free Reading

  • Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements

Seamless Access Across All Devices

  • Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app

More From This Section

First Published: Feb 08 2014 | 7:44 PM IST

Next Story