Laloo can win

Laloo Prasad Yadav may have lost the Bihar elections, but he has a future in Pakistan, according to members of the Pakistan Muslim League (P...

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Laloo Prasad Yadav may have lost the Bihar elections, but he has a future in Pakistan, according to members of the Pakistan Muslim League (PML) who are here on a visit. Laloo, however, said he was happy even as part of the Opposition in Bihar.

Laloo hosted a lunch today for the delegation, which was led by former Pakistan prime minister Shujaat Hussain. The group comprised over a dozen MPs and MLAs from the PML and some journalists.

Flanked by well-dressed women from across the border, Laloo was at his wittiest. And the bonhomie was apparent.

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‘‘If you ever contest elections in Pakistan, you are bound to win,’’ said a delegation member and others agreed. Nibbling on kebabs and sipping non-alcoholic drinks, the Pakistani members mingled with Indian ministers — Mani Shankar Aiyar, Raghuvansh Prasad, Oscar Fernandes, Sriprakash Jaiswal — and other leaders, including the CPI(M)’s Harkishan Singh Surjeet, Sitaram Yechury and former PM I.K. Gujral. Poet Javed Akhtar made an appearance and senior railway officials were also present.

Hussain said he favoured greater people-to-people contact between the two countries, adding that this would play a key role in improving bilateral ties.

Welcoming Hussain, the RJD chief said he had visited Pakistan at a time when relations between the two countries were strained. ‘‘We can’t forget the way we were received by the people of Pakistan, who showered us with love and affection,’’ he said.

‘‘The whole thing is about love and affection. Laloo Prasad came to Pakistan and talked about peace and friendship. We welcomed it. We want the two countries to come forward in this direction,’’ Hussain said.

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He offered prayers at Jama Masjid today and addressed the devotees. ‘‘In 1947, you had made a choice to stay in India and there should be no doubts about the decision. You are Indians and your love for India should be strong,’’ Hussain said.