Laloo’s CM choice: ‘It’s understood’

‘‘UPA kaa neta kaun hoga (Who will be UPA’s CM candidate?), tried reporters again, but Laloo did not budge from his reply. The next query was more direct, ‘‘Kya Rabri Devi hongee?’’ But the reply was still the same, ‘‘understood hai.’’ With some more coaxing, all he said on the matter was, ‘‘after we win, you will see who becomes CM.’’

In February, Laloo had gone around declaring that there was no vacancy for the CM’s post as a ‘‘Devi’’ (goddess) was occupying it. This time he is not doing so. Ally Congress declaring that the projected CM would be named only after the polls is probably restraining Laloo. This is for the first time in 15 years that the RJD is shying away from naming its candidate for the CM’s chair. On the contrary, NDA, which usually does not project names in advance, has declared the name of JD(U) leader Nitish Kumar for the post.

Laloo today released the first list of 51 RJD candidates for the first phase of polling on October 18. Today was the last day for filing of nomination papers for the first phase. The list reveals a lion’s share for Yadav contestants. There are also a large number of Muslim candidates. Muslims and Yadavs form the support base of the party.

Laloo struck another uncharacteristic chord today by seeking the support of media persons in his endeavour to develop Bihar. The man who had never stressed development as his poll plank declared, ‘‘If we don’t work, the electorate will not pardon us.’’

Asked about the rising crime rate during Central rule, Laloo blamed the Election Commission. ‘‘Now there is no Central rule. It is EC rule,’’ he said. Laloo used the occasion to make a veiled attack on the EC for alleged bias on caste and communal lines.