Notwithstanding the collapse of UPA in Bihar, Lok Janshakti Party chief Ramvilas Paswan on Sunday said the recent tie-up with Lalu Prasad Yadav's Rashtriya Janata Dal in the state would only "strengthen" the alliance.
"I can tell you that LJP will strengthen UPA. The tie-up with RJD
will make us a strong force in Bihar, which in turn will strengthen UPA," Paswan said in New Delhi after attending a meeting of leaders of LJP and Jan Morcha party, led by former Prime Minister V P Singh.
Despite Lalu's differences on seat sharing with Congress, Paswan maintained that he is looking to strengthen the UPA. "I would say that people may contest the elections from wherever they feel but it is important that they do not create any bitterness among the UPA."
"Everyone is trying to strengthen his party but UPA should not disintegrate and should be strengthened," he added.
Paswan ruled out joining the "third front" as a possible option after the polls and stated it will remain a "closed option" for his party even after the elections.
"UPA will form the government despite there being no pre-poll alliance, some parties may win less seats and some more, but after the poll, alliances will be done to strengthen the UPA," Paswan said.
He said the party will declare its list of candidates for Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Jharkhand within two days.