Ramvilas Paswan asks LJP workers to prepare for general elections

LJP president Ramvilas Paswan today asked his party workers to prepare themselves for the 2014 general elections and strengthen its base in states like Bihar and Uttar Pradesh.

Addressing party members during its 12th foundation day function here, Paswan also appealed secular parties, including Congress, to come together against the "non-functional government" in Bihar.

Asked about the Lok Janshakti Party's coalition with Lalu Prasad Yadav-led RJD, Paswan said, "Our coalition with Lalu Prasad for Bihar will remain intact. We also expect Congress to join this coalition along with other secular parties."

On the poll preparation for the general election, Paswan said his party is ready for the challenge and efforts are being made to strengthen its base in important states.

"Our primary job is to strengthen the party. We are not ascetics. Strengthening the party means that we have to keep our resources ready and face the challenge. Everyone does the same and we are ready to face the challenge. We will continue the effort to strengthen the party in states like Bihar and Uttar Pradesh," he said.

Lashing out at the JD(U)-led Bihar government, Paswan said that his party will organise a four month-long 'Bihar Bachao Yatra' from January next year to inform the people about the mis-governance and corruption there.

Pointing out the reports on alleged corruption in Bihar, he said, "CAG reports have underscored rampant corruption worth Rs 82,000 crore in Bihar. Be it the funds for MNREGA or management of festivals like Chhath Puja, where more than a dozen people died, there is mis-governance and corruption."