Sunday, April 17 2005 19:15 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: Dismissing reports of dissidence among party MLAs in Bihar, Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) today (Apr 17, 2005) asked political parties to formally come out with their views on having a Muslim Chief Minister in the State.

Ruling out taking the support of RJD (Rashtriya Janata Dal) even if the Laloo Prasad-led party agreed on electing a Chief Minister from the Muslim community, LJP chief Ram Vilas Paswan claimed a Government would be formed in Bihar within three months.

"I am the country's Steel Minister and my MLAs are also made of steel. There is no question of dissidence or my MLAs siding with RJD. The reports are false," Paswan said.

Accusing both Laloo and senior Janata Dal United (JDU) leader Nitish Kumar of trying to "poach" LJP MLAs, he said the two leaders have been calling his MLAs on phone but "they are behind me like a rock and did not meet either Laloo or Kumar."

On grievances of the MLAs, he said it was a "genuine" problem as they were not able to get their salary, privileges and other benefits due to an elected representative and it concerned all parties.

"Who can say that these demands are not genuine. And I have talked to the Prime Minister, the Governor and the Home Minister on the issue. Something needs to be done," the Minister said.

Asked if he had a formula to break the current impasse, Paswan said, "I do have but I will give it at the right time. Why are people in such a haste over forming a Government. Let President's rule be there for some time and restore order in the State."