PATNA/DELHI: The mega-merger plan of five parties into a grand Janata Parivar seems to have hit rough weather with Samajwadi Party chief Mulayam Singh Yadav appearing less keen than others on the immediate amalgamation of the Mandal outfits.

Though RJD chief Lalu Prasad and SP functionary Ramgopal Yadav said on Thursday that the merger was on the way and dismissed speculation about it having hit a roadblock, that all the stakeholders were not on the same page had been evident over the past week with Lalu publicly snubbing JD(U) president Sharad Yadav’s suggestion that JD(U) and RJD should merge prior to the revival of the larger Janata Parivar comprising RJD, JD(U), JDS, SP and INLD.

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Arguing that forcing the pace of the merger could be counter-productive, Lalu cautioned JD(U) functionaries that none other than SP boss Mulayam Singh Yadav was authorized to speak on the issue. “Hadbadi ka result gadbad hota hai” (act in haste, you repent at leisure)”, the RJD chief told reporters on Wednesday.

SP also does not seem to appreciate the urgency JD(U)’s Nitish Kumar has shown in view of the assembly elections in Bihar scheduled later this year. The gap in enthusiasm stems because SP does not face elections in Uttar Pradesh before 2017 as also the fact that neither of the other prospective members of the Parivar can be a force multiplier in the largest state.

The story seems different in Bihar. Nitish, who has waned politically since the Lok Sabha elections, wants to dodge the prospect of a repeat rout by consolidating Muslims and OBCs — currently divided between him and Lalu. The splintering of these social blocs was responsible for BJP’s spectacular show in the polls; Nitish wants to plug the hole.

The plot has also complicated because of an upswing in Lalu’s aspirations. Laid low by his disqualification as MP, a crippling LS defeat and health issues, the RJD boss had appeared to be more than keen for a swift merger of JD(U) and RJD. But a couple of months and a matrimonial alliance in the Mulayam family later, he is radiating a new confidence that seems to be compromising Nitish’s otherwise guaranteed pre-eminence.

READ ALSO: Nitish stands diminished in new Janata Parivar

Nitish has also lost out because of the unlikely revolt by chief minister Jitan Ram Manjhi , and Lalu using the opening to press home the advantage to regain his position as the top OBC chieftain in Bihar. He defended the Bihar CM whose ouster has been demanded by JD(U) leaders, leading many to estimate that he could be trying to poach Nitish’s flock and reminding many of the ruthless ways of socialist players in political games.

The change in Nitish-Lalu equations was evident at Makar Sankranti celebrations hosted by Lalu. Almost all ministers, Bihar assembly Speaker, legislators of ruling party called on the RJD chief on Wednesday. On Thursday, he hosted another party exclusively for the Muslim community at his residence.

Lalu’s sudden activism on the merger issue has resulted in the impression that it is he and fellow Yadav next door, Mulayam Singh, who are calling the shots, rendering Nitish forlorn.

The RJD leader’s assertiveness was also evident in the way he defended the Bihar CM who is under attack from Nitish loyalists for defying the party boss. On Wednesday, Lalu was a picture of courtesy towards Manjhi. “Call him chief minister Manjhiji not Jitan Ram Manjhi,” said Lalu strengthening the belief that Manjhi has drifted closer to him.

The outbreak of reverence for Manjhi could be more than a matter of nicety. Observers feel that keeping the CM in good humour could be Lalu’s way to add mahadalits -- the most vulnerable among SCs -- to his Muslim-Yadav coalition, a combination which, while aimed against BJP, could give grief to Nitish.

