JD(U) hints at alliance with RJD for Assembly bypolls

Patna: Hinting at an alliance with RJD for Assembly bypolls in 10 seats of Bihar next month, JD(U) on Sunday said decision in this regard would be taken at the leadership level of the two parties.

Chief Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi, however, said the ruling party may decide on the issue today itself. "It is true that talks about an alliance between JD(U) and RJD have been generating a buzz of late, but it has to be decided at the leadership level of the two parties and not through the media or discussion in public," state unit JD(U) president Bashistha Narayan Singh said.

On asked whether it was true that RJD was demanding six out of the 10 poll-bound Assembly seats, he said the leadership of the two parties have to sit together and work out the alliance first. "Seat-sharing formula can be worked out later," he said.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi said he will not say on his own about the likelihood of an alliance between RJD and JD(U) as the decision in this regard has to be taken by the party leadership.

A crucial meeting of the party will be held this evening during which the decision on alliance with RJD may be taken, Manjhi said.

The speculation about the likelihood of an alliance between the two parties gained currency ever since the former supported the Jitan Ram Manjhi government on the floor of House on May 20 last.