"Hum log kabhi bhi Left ke virodh mein nahin hain (we are never inimical to the Left parties)... Hum hamesha chahte hain ki Left secular forces ke saath rahe (we always want that the Left parties be with secular forces)," the Union Minister for Steel, Chemicals and Fertlisers told media persons in Patna.
Paswan was reacting to Rashtriya Janata Dal chief Lalu Prasad's statement that doors were open for a post-poll alliance with the Left in the event of the Congress-led UPA not being in a position to form a government. To another question, Paswan said "no talks have taken place with the Left leaders so far on government-formation at the Centre."
To another query, Paswan said he along with Lalu Prasad would remain within the UPA. The RJD-LJP combine along with the Samajawadi Party would play a major role in the formation of next UPA government, Paswan predicted.