Cong may not take on sitting LJP MLAs

In a move which is sure to irk RJD chief Laloo Prasad Yadav, the Congress high command has decided not to field candidates against sitting M...

In a move which is sure to irk RJD chief Laloo Prasad Yadav, the Congress high command has decided not to field candidates against sitting MLAs of the LJP in Bihar, sources disclosed on Saturday. A formal announcement by the party to this effect is expected in a day or two.

The high command has taken this decision in response to Ram Vilas Paswan’s announcement that he would not put up his candidates wherever Congress nominees are in the fray. Congress plans to contest at least 80 seats.

While this may be the stated plan of the Congress, the party, in the event of a breakdown of negotiations with Laloo, may have a broader secret understanding with Paswan. The Congress may back LJP candidates wherever they are in a strong position vis-a-vis the RJD.

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Notwithstanding their alliance at the Centre, the strategic interests of Congress and RJD are better served by weakening each other in Bihar. In the immediate context, a weaker Laloo would be far less demanding for the Congress at the Centre and far more controllable in the state.

In the long run, Congress can look forward to its revival in Bihar only at the cost of Laloo. Unless, Congress makes any inroads in the 17 per cent Muslim vote, currently aligned with Laloo, it can at best play a very marginal role.

Laloo, conscious of the Congress’ desperation to widen its space, is least willing to lend it a helping hand by giving it more seats. As it appears, UPA partners, while fighting the BJP-JD(U) combine, may end up fighting one another along side too.

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