Accommodation problem

With about 30 Rajya Sabha seats slated to fall vacant at March-end, political leaders across parties have begun backroom manoeuvres. But all eyes are on Bihar, more specifically on Prem Chand Gupta. The changed political situation means Lalu Prasad Yadav is strong enough only to get one member elected to the Upper House against the three outgoing party MPs. Would choosing Gupta, who hails from Haryana, send the right political message at a time when Lalu’s chips are down? The state leaders want the RJD to field a strong candidate belonging to Bihar. So what will Lalu do with Gupta, who is not only a trusted aide, but is crucial to handling his affairs in Delhi?