Monday, May 30 2005 21:49 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Coimbatore: Union Minister and Lok Janashakti Party (LJP) leader, Ram Vilas Paswan today (May 30, 2005) said his party's strategy for the Bihar Assembly elections would be decided at the National executive, scheduled in October or immediately after announcement of poll dates, whichever is earlier.

Replying to a specific question on the party's stand on Bihar, Paswan reiterated that he would support any proposal from any quarters, which preferred a Muslim Chief Ministerial candidate in the elections.

When pointed out on the reported stand of Congress that both LJP and RJD (Rashtriya Janata Dal) of Laloo Prasad should work together in the polls, Paswan said, "I have not received any concrete proposal from Congress. There is no question of joining hands with any party (RJD)."

"Moreover, I have been telling that there should be a UPA (United Progressive Alliance) type of formation in all the States, to keep the 'communal' BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) away from power," Paswan said.

When asked whether he was ready to extend support or join hands with JDU (Janata Dal United), if it severed its relationship with BJP, he said, "Why not, LJP's stand was clear that a Muslim candidate should be the Chief Minister. Besides, I will not support "communal or corrupt forces." "Where is a Muslim Chief Minister, after Jammu and Kashmir or which State has a minority Chief Minister," Paswan asked.