Patna, Dec. 20: JDU national general secretary Shyam Rajak skipped the party's two-day national executive in New Delhi that started today.

Rajak, a former minister, stayed back to attend another ceremony, which he said is "close to my heart".

Rajak, once close to both RJD chief Lalu Prasad and chief minister Nitish Kumar, found himself out in the cold when the new cabinet took oath.

"There are many leaders in the party who are more knowledgeable, capable and trustworthy; I am just a petty party worker," Rajak told The Telegraph. "The main reason behind not attending today's meeting is the death anniversary of Sant Gadge Maharaj who was the guru of BR Ambedkar. Every year, I attend this programme and garland his statue at Dhobhi Ghat. I have a sentimental attachment with this programme and never give a miss."

The two-day JDU meeting has been convened to discuss issues including changing the party symbol and strategy for polls in other states.

The JDU party, however, claimed ignorance over Rajak's absence. JDU Rajya Sabha member and national spokesperson K.C. Tyagi saidover phone from Delhi: "I am not aware of this as I have not received any written information from him (Rajak)."

The party president, Sharad Yadav, said: "He is a senior leader of the party. I will speak to him."

Rajak played an important role in building a bridge between Lalu and Nitish ahead of the Assembly elections. When the Grand Alliance formed the government, Rajak was on top of the list of probable ministers. Surprisingly, he was dropped and denied a ministerial berth.

Asked if he did not attend the executive meet because he was not given a ministerial berth, Rajak said: "Shyam Rajak is not known as a minister; I have my own identity and it is people of my constituency who voted me to the Assembly. I had already said that I am not fond of becoming a minister as I have already served 15 long years. Others should also get a chance."

It was Rajak, a Dalit, who initiated a rebellion against another Dalit leader and former chief minister, Jitan Ram Manjhi. "When a Dalit chief minister was forced to tender his resignation, people like Shyam Rajak and Ramai Ram showed their loyalty towards Nitish," said Manjhi. "That time itself they should had become cautious."