Laloo looks to Independents

Of course, the list of ‘‘others’’ included three SP MLAs and four of the BSP, whom Laloo would not deal with immediately. The number of victorious CPI(ML) candidates was slightly unclear and while some reports said five of them had won, the party itself insisted it had picked up seven Assembly constituencies. As a result, Laloo had the objective of winning over 15 to 20 of the remaining Independent — mostly rebel — MLAs.

What is also going to make Laloo happy is that at least 50 per cent of the rebel MLAs are RJD rebels, according to preliminary reports. Laloo’s supporters say that approaching these former RJD partymen in his inimitable style should not be too difficult a job for the Railway Minister.

If Laloo can win over the Independents, his job will be mostly done. In the past, the SP and BSP have been more inclined to abstain from any confidence vote against Laloo. The CPI(ML) has also disliked the RJD leader’s quality of governance but if it comes to voting against his government, they might also refrain from voting him out.

Laloo can also play the secular card to the hilt as and when required. As it is, now that he is feeling a threat from the Congress, he may consider inching closer to these parties, at least to the SP. After all, both Mulayam and he are facing a threat from the Congress and may need to exchange notes on the issue. But the probable abstention of these parties may simplify Laloo’s equation. Anyway, Laloo has decided to go to Delhi and meet Sonia Gandhi only when he is ready with the numbers.