M A I N   N E W S

Cong to back RJD in Bihar
Paswan looks the other way

Patna, March 2
Ignoring its ally Lok Janshakti Party’s reservations, the Congress today pledged its support to the RJD in the formation of government in Bihar. The RJD is still short of 28 MLAs for a majority, with Ram Vilas Paswan declaring that he will vote against the government headed by Rabri Devi. The LJP has 28 MLAs.

A day after failing to persuade Paswan to support cobbling a secular formation, AICC Secretary Harikesh Bahadhur today wrote to Governor Buta Singh extending the support of 10 party MLAs to a government headed by the RJD.

RJD leader Laloo Prasad Yadav also received a letter of support from CPM (1 MLA), while CPI (3) and NCP (2) are likely to send their letters.

With the assured support of three-member BSP, the total number of MLAs supporting the RJD goes up to 94, still 28 short of the magical 122 figure in a House of 243. The RJD has 75 MLAs.

Armed with the support of allies and new friends, Laloo told mediapersons that his party would stake its claim to form the government soon. He declined to specify a date and time.

Reaching Patna from New Delhi, leader of the 28-member LJP Paswan said his party would vote against the RJD-Congress combine in the Assembly. “We have decided to vote against RJD-Congress,” he told mediapersons adding “even in seven lives an RJD government will never be able to form a government.”

Asked if his party would quit the UPA following Congress’ decision to back the RJD in its endeavour to form the government, Paswan said, “I have said time and again that our politics at the Centre and Bihar should be seen separately. We have resolved to remain in the UPA at the Centre but have decided to vote against the RJD if it is invited to form a government in the state.”

When asked if his position in the UPA had been weakened with the Congress declaring support to the RJD, he replied in the negative.

“Neither is the Congress dependent on us for its survival nor are we dependent on them for ours. I have not been weakened by the Congress’ decision,” he said. — PTI