Janata Dal proposes, H D Deve Gowda disposes. The party yesterday proposed the reunification with the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), but this was quickly shot down by Gowda who placed the condition that the RJD would have to first accept the leadership of Sharad Yadav.
On the concluding day of the party's two-day national council meet here, a political resolution sought the merger of the RJD in the interest of fighting communalism. The resolution said some party leaders from Bihar had parted ways without any ideological differences.
'The national council appeals to all those colleagues to reconsider their option and rejoin in the common endeavour to fight against the forces of communalism,' it said.
However, the little excitement generated by the resolution was shortlived as several leaders --except Union minister for information and broadcasting S Jaipal Reddy -- came down heavily on the continuation of the three RJD ministers in the I K Gujral government.
In his speech, Gowda came down heavily on the RJD for 'unleashing lawlessness' in Bihar which, he said, warranted central intervention.
He said the RJD was welcome to re-join the parent organisation if it were ready to accept the leadership of Sharad Yadav.
Expressing grave concern over 'the rule of jungle' prevailing in Bihar, Gowda suggested 'harsh steps' by the Centre to bring the situation in the state under control.
Senior party leader Obaidullah Azami ridiculed the logic behind the continuation of the three RJD ministers: Jainarain Nishad, Kanti Singh and Raghuvansh Prasad Singh. Azami said partymen were ignored for ministerial berths, but those who had left the party were very much in the government.
He demanded the immediate dismissal of the three ministers.
Reddy, on the other hand, emphasised on unity and called upon all the anti-BJP forces to come together. He said that the 'split has taken place because of egos' and not due to any ideological differences.
T national council authorised Sharad Yadav to nominate members on the national executive in consulation with Prime Minister IK Gujral and other senior leaders. The national executive is likely to meet in the first week of September.
