JD(U) set to contest 2021 Bengal elections

JD(U) national spokesperson K C Tyagi told The Indian Express, “Though it is certain that we would contest West Bengal polls, the party’s national president Nitish Kumar will take a final call on the number of seats we should contest. The party has been identifying seats.”

Asked how the JD(U) throwing its hat in the ring plays out at a time when BJP, its alliance partner in Bihar, is trying to make the 2021 Bengal polls a TMC versus BJP fight, Tyagi said JD(U) has contested independently outside Bihar in the past too.

“Every party works towards its expansion. We have been trying for our expansion. There is not much to read between the lines,” said Tyagi.

Senior JD(U) leader and former Rajya Sabha MP Gulam Rasool Baliyawi hinted that the party could contest on 75 seats in Bengal.

Meanwhile, the JD(U), it is learnt, is trying to consolidate its strength after being reduced to 43 seats from its previous tally of 71 seats in the Bihar Assembly. One of its key strategies could be a possible alliance or merger with the Upendra Kushwaha-led Rashtriya Lok Samata Party.