The Bihar alliance of Nitish Kumar, Lalu Prasad Yadav and the Congress might have swept the Assembly elections, winning 178 of 243 seats. But Mulayam Singh Yadav’s initiative in setting the ball rolling for formation of a Bihar-like “mahagathbandhan” of “like-minded” parties “to defeat communal forces” is a convenient ploy to divert the attention of the people of UP from the infighting and fractiousness of his party. The UP battle indeed offers diverse possibilities. But for the grand alliance of like-minded parties, even if it comes about, there is a long, hard road ahead.

Jayatheertha S.A.

Hyderabad