NEW DELHI: Lok Janshakti Party, a key coalition partner in the ruling NDA disapproved "hate speech" by some of the BJP members during election campaign in Delhi. While observing that the hate speech may have spoilt the NDA's chances in the national capital, LJP chief Chirag Paswan said political parties should give "priority to local issues" in state polls.

He told TOI, "Hate speech should be avoided. These were not needed in Delhi polls. We should have focussed on what we delivered or would deliver rather than over emphasising on Shaheen Bagh and other negative issues. All involved in poll campaigns must follow decency. What we saw in Delhi was perhaps the worst in any election. State polls should be fought on local issues and the campaigning should not cause irreparable damage and foster personal enmity."

Chirag's views came as the NDA starts preparation for assembly polls in Bihar and West Bengal. He added that his party would not support any such effort, if it's repeated in Bihar election. BJP had given Seemapuri seat to LJP in the Delhi poll, which it failed to win. Chirag said the way they received support from people during campaign, it seemed NDA was going to make a major come back.

“But when we held a review on Thursday with others, we understood that people voted for work,” he said.

