Letter on Advani: BJP tells Cong to rein in allies

A confrontation between the BJP and the RJD is likely to provide the main drama in the Winter Session with the BJP all set to take on Union ...

A confrontation between the BJP and the RJD is likely to provide the main drama in the Winter Session with the BJP all set to take on Union Railway Minister Laloo Prasad Yadav and his men if they continue to raise ‘‘contemptible’’ allegations against L.K. Advani.

BJP parliamentary party spokesman V.K. Malhotra told reporters that although his party was keen to cooperate in the smooth running of both Houses, ‘‘We will not be able to restrain our MPs if the Congress fails to rein in its allies.’’ He was referring to the RJD MPs in the Lok Sabha today who sought to highlight a letter purportedly written by Advani’s former daughter-in-law, Gauri, against the BJP president.

Malhotra appreciated the fact that the Congress not only refused to join hands with the RJD but tried to dissuade Laloo Yadav from doing so. However, the Congress must ensure that its allies did not cross the line, he warned.

Story continues below this ad

The RJD versus BJP battle is not confined to the Gauri Advani letter alone. For the third day running, Malhotra focussed on the ‘‘tu tu main main’’ (trading of charges) between Union ministers Laloo Yadav and Ram Vilas Paswan and demanded that both be dropped from the Cabinet.

He said the open war between the two ministers from Bihar has lowered the prestige of the UPA Government and the Prime Minister must intervene immediately. ‘‘Laloo Yadav has claimed that he has files that can expose Paswan’s corruption. He should either come out with it or be sacked,’’ Malhotra said.

Sources in the LJP (RV) said the names of the remaining 15 candidates would also be announced very soon.

Bihar polls: Chirag Paswan’s LJP (Ram Vilas) announces first list of 14 candidates

India2 hr ago

Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) announced its first list of 14 candidates for the Bihar assembly polls, with its state unit chief Raju Tiwary and leader Hulas Pandey among the nominees. As per the seat-sharing arrangement, LJP (RV) will contest 29 seats, while BJP and JD(U) will contest 101 seats each. The remaining 15 candidates will be announced soon.

View all shorts

Live Blog

PHOTOS