The Congress views that seat-sharing with “like minded parties” in the coming Bihar Assembly polls could be crucial, while refusing to predict prospects of the anti-BJP parties in the electoral battle
The Congress views that seat-sharing with “like minded parties” in the coming Bihar Assembly polls could be crucial, while refusing to predict prospects of the anti-BJP parties in the electoral battle expected in September-October.
While the JD(U), RJD, Congress and the NCP would be fighting the polls against the BJP-led NDA, the three Left parties — the CPI, CPI(M) and the CPI(ML) — will be fighting separately, according to sources.
Although seat-sharing talks between the Congress, RJD and the JD(U) are yet to begin, all the three would press for winning seats. A leader of non-NDA parties suggested that the number of seats for these parties has to be decided on the basis of their performance in the Lok Sabha elections.
If the JD(U) and the RJD get an equal number of seats of the total 243, the next crucial issue would be allocation of winning seats. “Winning seats are more important than number of seats to be allotted to the partners in this exercise,” the leader said.
RJD chief Lalu Yadav used to leave those seats for the Congress where he was unsure of a victory. Minorities have been the political constituency of the RJD, JD(U) and the Congress. Therefore, Mr Lalu Yadav cannot solely claim them, he said.
Minorities would vote decisively by ensuring that division in their votes should not benefit the BJP and its allies in this crucial elections. “But can Lalu Prasad transfer Yadav votes for the JD(U), Congress and the NCP,” ask insiders.
The BJP is pegging its hope on Mr Lalu Yadav, who has reluctantly accepted chief minister Nitish Kumar as the “face” against the BJP-led front which would fight the battle under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
