Cong worries over Laloo, Paswan spat

CWC member Harikesh Bahadur, in charge of Bihar, merely said: ‘‘We are keeping an eye on everything.’’ Bahadur, who is going to Patna tomorrow, is expected to obtain feedback from state leaders. AICC spokesman Anand Sharma tried to play down the tension by blaming it on regional politics. He said the issue, if needed, would be addressed by the UPA coordination committee.

Asked about Paswan’s call to the Congress to distance itself from the RJD, he said: ‘‘We will take an appropriate view taking into consideration the long-term interests of the state and party.’’

Even today, Paswan made an attempt to wean the Congress away from the RJD. He told reporters that he wished the Congress would get stronger in Bihar. He described himself as Sonia’s closest neighbour — with only a wall dividing his 12, Janpath residence from 10, Janpath. Sources said the rank and file in the state is against a continuation of an alliance with Laloo in the Assembly polls, but the Congress high command is unlikely to oblige.

The RJD has 25 members in the Lok Sabha and their support is vital for the Manmohan Singh Government. The RJD had given the Congress only four of the 40 Lok Sabha seats from Bihar and the high command accepted the deal even as Paswan was given eight seats. Even in the coming Assembly polls, Laloo is expected to offer around 25 seats to Congress and the high command, due to its compulsions in Delhi, may be forced to sail along.