RJD spokesman resigns

Tiwary8217;s attack over the Muslim issue comes as a jolt for the RJD as the byelections in Bhagalpur and Nalanda are scheduled for November 6. In Bhagalpur the RJD has sidelined the 8216;legitimate8217; claim of ally CPIM and fielded its own candidate. The RJD wants to prove that its support base is intact. Bhagalpur has a substantial Muslim population and for a good show the party needs support from the community.

Relations between Lalu and Tiwary soured ever since the former denied the latter a Rajya Sabha ticket on two consecutive occasions in the past.

Feeling ignored the leader started shooting off letters holding Lalu responsible for the party8217;s defeat in Bihar. So far, Lalu has refrained from reacting over the issue pointing out that Tiwary was a 8216;non-entity8217;.

Tiwary, who was the excise minister in the Rabri Devi cabinet, has pointed out that his relation with Lalu had turned bitter and thereby it was pointless to continue as spokesman of the party. Insiders have it that it is a matter of time before he does.

Tiwary was among the first few leaders of the erstwhile Janata Dal who had revolted against Lalu in 1994 and floated the Samata Party.

He was also one of those who had filed a PIL in the fodder scam against Lalu. However, later he fell off with Nitish Kumar and returned to Lalu8217;s fold.

Now the grapevine has it that he is again on way to joining hands with Nitish.