Saturday, May 21 2005 15:28 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Patna: BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) today (May 21, 2005) described as an 'Intra-party affair' the reports that a sizeable number of LJP (Lok Janshakti Party) MLAs were staying in Jharkhand to explore possibility of Government formation in Bihar.

"Revolt seems to be brewing in the LJP as its MLAs are disappointed with its leadership's tough posturings over taking support of the BJP in forming a popular Government led by JDU (Janata Dal United) leader Nitish Kumar," BJP Vice-President Sushil Kumar Modi said.

"No doubt it is an intra-party affair of the LJP. We will make a fresh bid for Government formation only when its MLAs announce to join us on their own," Modi said.

He said the NDA (National Democratic Alliance) with 92 MLAs had the assured support of the 17 independents and the role of the LJP MLAs to reach the magic figure of 122 in the 243-member Assembly was crucial.

Terming as a 'positive development' the reports of revolt in the LJP, he said the BJP would, however, maintain a 'wait and watch' policy.

"After failure of Ramvilas Paswan to secure the support of Congress and RJD to form a Government, the LJP MLAs are desperate and looking for an alternative," he said claiming that the majority of the LJP MLAs had won the elections on an anti-RJD plank "and they are left with no option than to side with the NDA."

Top leaders of the JDU and BJP were in constant touch in the wake of the fresh development, he said.