PATNA: The ticket distribution in Bihar assembly elections has apparently caused a rift within Union minister and Lok Janashakti Party chief Ram Vilas Paswan’s family.
Earlier, the growing role of Chirag Paswan — the man seen as taking all political decisions within the party – had given rise to heartburn among Mr Paswan’s long-time colleagues and charges of a dynastic takeover. Now, the revolt comes from his son-in-law, Anil Kumar Sadhu.
Mr Sadhu, who heads the party’s Dalit Sena, an organisation for the weaker sections in Bihar, has been denied a party ticket.
Sources say Mr Sadhu is angry with Mr Paswan for handing all powers to his son. Chirag Paswan had joined politics after quitting Bollywood, and reports say he was the brains behind the party joining forces with the BJP in Bihar.
“My claim has been ignored despite the fact that I had got 53,000 votes from the Masaurhi seat in the 2010 election,” Mr Sadhu was quoted as saying by news agency Press Trust of India.
The LJP commands a chunk of Dalit votes and recently, its chief had been engaged in a tussle with the other backward class leader in NDA – Jitan Ram Manjhi – to get a larger share of seats during seat distribution.
It has not helped that two other members of the family – Mr Paswan’s brother Pashupati Kumar Paras and nephew Prince Raj have been given ticket.Last week, Vaishali lawmaker Rama Singh, quit all party posts after being denied ticket. He is among the six representatives the party has in Parliament.
Mr Singh and another lawmaker, Veena Devi, spoke out against Chirag Paswan, questioning why all power should be concentrated in his hands and senior members of the party not be consulted about seat allotment.
Mr Paswan or Chirag Paswan is yet to comment on the rift. But sources in the party said both leaders have promised to speak to dissenters and explain how it was not possible to accommodate every one.

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