"Nitish is pursuing the politics of divide and rule," he claimed, while Lalu had already gone down that path. In contrast, Paswan added, throughout his political career, he had fought for every section. His support for the implementation of the Mandal Commission was a testimony of the fact, he said.
The LJP leader talked about Lalu "ditching" him, saying that he had betrayed him at the time of distribution of portfolios at the Centre. "He would never shake hands with Lalu again," Paswan vowed.
Talking about the state, Paswan said Lalu had unleashed a reign of terror in Bihar during his 15 years of rule and Nitish too had failed to live up to expectations. "You have seen both Lalu and Nitish. Now give me an opportunity," he appealed.
Incidentally, despite Paswan's attempts to project himself as distinct from Lalu, he too talked of reservation for the economically backward among the upper castes, like the RJD leader did at a recent rally. And while Lalu introduced his two sons at that meeting, Paswan on Wednesday presented his son Chirag, who is set to make a debut in Bollywood.
