EC freezes LJP poll symbol as feud between Chirag and Paras continues

New Delhi: Fued between Chirag Paswan and his Union Minister uncle Pashupati Kumar Paras factions have resulted in a freeze of using both the name of LJP or its symbol by the Election Comission of India.

According to the order by ECI, both factions are barred from using Lok Janshakti Party's name and symbol (a bungalow) till the dispute between the rival groups is settled by the poll panel.

The commission said that the two factions can use free symbols available to field their candidates for the by-polls to be held to the Kusheshwar Asthan and Tarapur seats in Bihar. The by-polls will be held on October 30.

"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.

The poll panel also asked both Paswan and Paras to give separate names and symbols for the by-polls by 1 pm Monday.

The contesting claims to power by the two rival factions came to the fore earlier this year, with both Chirag and his uncle Pashupati Ram Paras claiming control over the LJP and passing orders "expelling" each other.

Paras, an MP, had claimed support of four of the five remaining MPs of the LJP barring Chirag and removed Chirag as the parliamentary party leader. Paras claimed he was "not breaking the party", but "saving it". Thereafter, the Paras faction said it had removed Chirag as LJP chief.

The 'new' LJP has announced its intention to return to the NDA in Bihar, reversing Chirag's decision to walk away from the alliance ahead of the Assembly elections in the state last year.

Chirag, in turn, held a meeting of the LJP national executive on virtual meeting platform Zoom and announced the expulsion of the five 'rebel' MPs from the party. LJP leaders said the resolution had been sent to the Election Commission and the Lok Sabha Speaker.