RJD, Cong, NCP agree on Bihar CMP, to pick CM later

The RJD, Congress and NCP today said they would contest the Bihar Assembly elections on a common minimum programme without projecting anyone...

The RJD, Congress and NCP today said they would contest the Bihar Assembly elections on a common minimum programme without projecting anyone as their chief ministerial candidate. The Congress and NCP also kept a window open on efforts to get Lok Janashakti Party chief Ram Vilas Paswan on board.

Congress general secretary Digvijay Singh said the three-party alliance would share seats with the CPI(M) which may extend its support to their common minimum programme. ‘‘We would first draw the CMP draft and then pass it on to the CPI(M), which may suggest changes and consider backing it.’’ The parties will also hold a joint election campaign.

Singh’s comments came after he met NCP general secretary Tariq Anwar; the two later called on CPI(M) Politburo member Sitaram Yechury. NCP general secretary D.P. Tripathi, meanwhile, met CPI(M) general secretary Prakash Karat.

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Singh, however, added that the Congress and NCP would continue to make efforts to persuade Paswan though he ‘‘has almost said a no to an alliance (with them)’’. However, the Congress general secretary said he would wait till Paswan’s return on September 17 for the final word. Regarding Paswan’s continuation in the UPA Government, Singh said, ‘‘This is for him to think.’’

Singh also skirted commenting on Paswan’s remark that the Congress would be reduced to zero by going with the RJD. ‘‘We will talk on November 23 (when results would be out),’’ he said.

The Congress has convened a meeting of its state election committee at Patna on September 18 by when the alliance partners hope to have reached an understanding on seat-sharing.

Singh said the RJD chief had ‘‘already made a statement’’ on the alliance not projecting a chief ministerial candidate. ‘‘We all agree that we have to first get a majority and then decide on the chief ministership,’’ he added.

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The CMP, he said, would stress communal harmony, more investment in agriculture and greater focus on animal husbandry. Asked on governance during Yadav and Rabri Devi’s tenure, he said: ‘‘Laloo ensured social justice…he has performed well as Railways Minister. This has been certified by none else than the Prime Minister himself.’’