Patna: Rashtriya Lok Morcha (RLM) president and Rajya Sabha member Upendra Kushwaha on Saturday claimed the NDA would stage a smooth return to power after next year’s assembly elections in Bihar, saying the anti-incumbency factor is still not working against the ruling coalition even after about 20 years in power. According to him, the development initiatives of the coalition has worked wonders.
Talking to reporters in West Champaran during the 7th and penultimate phase of his statewide Bihar yatra, Kushwaha said he was surprised to find the people still have a rare attraction towards the NDA, scuttling the chances of “anti-incumbency” factors. Instead, the NDA will win more seats than before this time, he claimed.
“Wherever I visited during my yatra, I found the anti-incumbency factor missing and the people impressed with the development agenda of the NDA. This is surprising since this coalition has been in power for about 20 years,” Kushwaha said. The main objective of his yatra, he added, was to launch a campaign in favour of the NDA and get the people’s feedback before chalking out a strategy to ensure the alliance’s return to power for another term.
The former union Uinister claimed the common masses don’t want the opposition grabbing the throne in the state. “The people are well aware of the fact that Bihar will be ruined if the opposition comes to power. So, the people want the NDA govt in the state,” Kushwaha said.
Replying to a query about how many seats his party expects to get under the seat-sharing deal, Kushwaha refused to get involved in the controversy, saying this issue would be settled ahead of the elections. He said his responsibility right now was to strengthen the NDA on all 243 assembly seats in the state.
Kushwaha launched his yatra from Kurtha in Arwal district in September and is to conclude his tour soon.