Monday, May 16 2005 14:12 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Patna: Accusing LJP (Lok Janshakti Party) President Ramvilas Paswan of "indulging in politics of religion and caste" by raking up the issue of a Muslim leader becoming Chief Minister, senior BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) leader Shahnawaz Hussain today (May 16, 2005) alleged that Paswan wanted to make "Muslims a scapegoat" by raising the issue time and again.

"Except for Paswan, no Muslim organisation nor any other leader has demanded installation of a Muslim as CM. Paswan's stand on the issue is against the interests of Muslims in Bihar," Hussain told a press conference in Patna.

The Country had already been divided once in the name of religion, Hussain said adding that Paswan now wanted to divide Bihar "in the name of religion and caste".

Claiming that the Muslims had "more confidence in the leadership of JDU (Janata Dal United) leader Nitish Kumar", the BJP leader said this was the reason eighty per cent of the Muslim candidates of the party romped to victory.

Asserting that the NDA (National Democratic Alliance) being the largest group with 92 MLAs in its kitty, was the lone alternative which could provide "a stable and strong" Government in Bihar, he said adding the newly-elected MLAs who were opposed to snap polls should come together to help install a popular Government.

He also advised Paswan "to work for betterment of Muslims instead of becoming spokesman for Muslims".

Hussain expressed confidence that a new Government led by JDU leader Nitish Kumar would be in place in Bihar "without any horse-trading of legislators". He, however, did not set any timeframe for that.