Bihar: Cong opts for middle path

Doing a tightrope walk between its two warring allies 8212; LJP and RJD 8212; in Bihar, Congress is trying to revive its lost grounds in the state in the forthcoming polls.

In a carefully crafted seat arrangement, the Congress will contest 80 seats in the state 8212; some in alliance with both the RJD and LJP and some only with the LJP. It will not contest from any seat that is presently being held by the LJP or the RJD, and in seats where both the RJD and LJP fight it out, the Congress will remain neutral, sources said.

Meanwhile, RJD chief Laloo Prasad Yadav said in Patna that 8216;8216;talks were on with the Congress and we understand the compulsions of each other8217;8217;. After Congress president Sonia Gandhi met Laloo and LJP chief Ram Vilas Paswan in Delhi yesterday, both leaders returned to Patna and held discussions with supporters. Congress political secretary Ahmad Patel stayed in touch with both the leaders through Thursday and a deal has been finalised though not made official yet.