Monday, March 7 2005 10:11 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Patna: Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) blames Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) president Ramvilas Paswan for creating an impasse, which led to Bihar Governor Buta Singh recommend President's Rule.

Squarely blaming LJP president Ramvilas Paswan for creating an impasse which led Bihar Governor Buta Singh recommend President's Rule, RJD yesterday (Mar 6, 2005) asked United Progressive Alliance (UPA) chairperson Sonia Gandhi to make 'serious efforts' to persuade Paswan to extend support to a RJD-led secular Government in Bihar or else decide the continuation of LJP in the UPA coalition.

"The way Paswan has been moving about imposition of President's Rule despite a secular partner RJD staking claim to form the Government in Bihar, creates doubt whether he (Paswan) had tacit support of the Congress," RJD National spokesman Shivanand Tiwari told reporters.

Even as RJD strongman Laloo Prasad remained confined to 1, Anne Marg, the official residence of caretaker Chief Minister Rabri Devi, keeping a close watch over developments, Tiwari appealed to Sonia Gandhi and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to make serious efforts to 'force' Paswan fall in line and support formation of a secular Government.

"And if he (Paswan) does not budge from his stand (not to support RJD), the two should consider continuation of LJP in the UPA coalition," he said.

Asked whether he meant the UPA had to make a choice between RJD and LJP, Tiwari said, "You are free to draw your conclusion."

Making a scathing attack on the LJP chief for his announcement to keep equi-distance from RJD as well Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in formation of a Government in Bihar, Tiwari said, "Only a fool can talk like this. Besides, nobody can risk sailing in two boats without fear of sinking."