Laloo ready for compromise formula

After lingering on the brink of a severe crisis for almost a fortnight, the remark must have come as sweet music to senior leaders engaged in brokering a peace between the two Yadavs, Laloo and his challenger Sharad Yadav.

Referring to the various formulae being touted to avert a crisis, Laloo claimed that he was open to all suggestions. When asked whether he would consider a third candidate for the post of president, he said he was not a “closed-minded person” and would prefer to have a detailed dialogue.

The names of Planning Commission Deputy Chairman Madhu Dandavate and Union minister S R Bommai have been floated as the probable third candidate. But while Bommai’s name is expected to be resisted stoutly by former prime minister H D Deve Gowda, a Sharad-backer, Dandavate’s name is likely to be opposed by both the contenders.

A power-sharing formula is also being mentioned to settle the dispute. By this, the two rivals would, by amending the party constitution, be allowed to wield the powers of the national executive when it is not in session. They will also be given the powers to allot party symbols to candidates and to appoint office-bearers.

As in the previous case, this formula too is likely to be bitterly opposed by Laloo and his challenger. This would clearly upset the party elders’ plans to effect peace.

Sharad continues to be as belligerent as before. Speaking to reporters this evening, the JD working president rejected all formulae being floated from various quarters in a bid to avert a split.

To make matters worse, three separate review petitions seeking quashing of the Delhi High Court order pronounced on June 7 were taken up this afternoon by a special two-judge Division Bench.

The three review petitions, filed by Laloo, his close ally and Lok Sabha MP M A A Fatmi, besides the one filed yesterday by returning officer P K Samantray, were heard by the Division Bench of Justice Cyriac Joseph and Justice Anil Dev Singh. After hearing the arguments put forth by the two parties, the judges adjourned the case for further hearing tomorrow.