Date:19/12/2004 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2004/12/19/stories/2004121906850800.htm

National

Paswan's offer to Congress

By Our Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI, DEC. 18. The Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) today hinted that it was prepared to give the Congress a meaningful share of seats in the Bihar Assembly elections if that party decides to forge an electoral alliance with it.

"We want to have an alliance with them. If they come with us, we will share seats in a manner that is in keeping with the prestige of a party like the Congress," said the LJP chief, Ram Vilas Paswan.

The LJP is a part of the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) at the Centre, but is pitted against the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) in Bihar. The Congress has an alliance with the RJD in the State. Seasoned political observers feel that Mr. Paswan's offer may not produce any results as the RJD's support is crucial for the survival of the UPA Government.

Mr. Paswan also reiterated his willingness to consider the option of an alliance with the Janata Dal (U), on the condition that it should break its ties with the Bharatiya Janata Party.