Tuesday, March 29 2005 15:31 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Rajgir (Bihar): Senior JDU (Janata Dal United) leader Nitish Kumar today (March 29, 2005) called upon anti-RJD (Rashtriya Janata Dal) groups, including the LJP (Lok Janshakti Party), to be flexible on the issue of forming a popular Government in Bihar as President's Rule was not 'a panacea' for solving the people's problems and ruled out the possibility of his party breaking ties with the BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party).

"The elections have given us a golden opportunity for getting rid of the 15 year RJD misrule. All anti-Laloo forces should come together to form a popular Government," Kumar told reporters as the three-day brainstorming session of the JDU began in Bihar.

The JDU would play 'a positive role' in formation of an anti-RJD Government. "Without showing flexibility, a Government minus RJD will be impossible," Kumar said after declaring open the 'Chintan Shivir' being seen as an exercise to bring the curtains down on President's Rule in Bihar.

"We should not be rigid on our stance in the interest of the people of Bihar," he said while apparently referring to LJP President Ramvilas Paswan's intransigence over taking even outside support from the BJP to form a Government.

In reply to a question, Kumar ruled out the possibility of JDU parting company with the BJP saying, "We (the BJP and JDU) share an old bond of friendship."

Asked whether the LJP would positively respond to his proposal for forming a Government comprising the BJP, he said "asha par to puri duniya tiki hui hai (the whole world rests on hope)."

The three-day conclave of party leaders in Bihar would deliberate on a fresh course of action for installation of a non-RJD Government.

Kumar said the meeting would review the poll results and discuss future strategy.

The JDU has been inviting ion-RJD parties to come on a common platform even before the elections and now, other parties too have realised that another immediate election would mean the return of the RJD, he said.

Kumar said the meeting would also evolve a Common Minimum Programme to elicit support from the anti-RJD groups for Government formation.

Senior party leaders, including George Fernandes, Sharad Yadav, MPs, legislators and office bearers would also attend the conclave.