Law Kumar Mishra
Patna, October 2
The Election Commission of India on Saturday barred the Chirag Paswan and the Pashupati Kumar Paras factions from using the name of Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) or its symbol “bungalow” till the dispute between the rival groups is settled by the poll panel.
The commission also said that the two factions could use free symbols available to field their candidates for the by-polls to two assembly seats scheduled to be held on October 30.
Paras, younger brother of founder of the party Ram Vilas Paswan, had declared himself elected LJP president while Chirag Paswan, son of Ram Vilas had expelled his uncle from the party. On June 12, Paras had filed a petition before Election Commission claiming authority on the symbol and on June 22, Chirag also staked claim on the Bungalow symbol.
Due to death of Mewalal Chaudhary and Shashi Bhushan Hazari (both JDU), the mid-term polls had been necessitated in Tarapur and Kusheshwar Asthan assembly segments.
“Both the groups shall be known by such names by as they may choose for their respective groups, including, if they so desire, linkage with their parent party Lok Janshakti Party,” the order read.
