RJD trying to expand voter base in Bihar

Patna: Amid reports of a rift within RJD, Tejashwi Yadav has been holding discussions to expand the ambit of Grand Secular Alliance in Bihar.

There is a buzz in the political circle here that Tejashwi Yadav may persuade his father Lalu Yadav to accommodate CPI (ML) into the Grand Secular Alliance fold in Bihar. Sources claim that Tejashwi Yadav has been trying to strike a deal with the CPI (ML) in order to gain in several pockets like Bhojpur, Arwal, and Jehanabad where the extreme left wing is considered strong.

However, political analysts also point out towards bitterness between both parties which had grown when Lalu Yadav while expanding RJD’s base in Bihar in the 1990s had engineered a massive split within the CPI (ML). They also recall that CPI (ML) had suffered a massive jolt when Lalu Yadav had backed Maoist Communist Centre (MCC) which resulted in arms struggle.

Political analysts are of the view that, “CPI (ML) has never been into an alliance with any party so far. But if RJD is trying and CPI (ML) is ready to forget previous setbacks then RJD will certainly gain in several pockets where the left wing is strong”.

The CPI (ML) currently has three seats in Bihar assembly. Sources claim that CPI (ML) general secretary Dipankar Bhattacharya too has hinted that he has no objection in getting into an alliance with RJD to stop the BJP from returning to power in 2019 general elections.

Sources say that the issue also came up for discussion when Mr. Bhattacharya recently met ailing RJD chief Lalu Yadav at his residence in Patna. Lalu Yadav who has been convicted in multi-crore scam fodder cases is currently out on provisional bail.

“It is the responsibility of all left parties to come together stop BJP from returning to power in 2019,” CPI(ML) general secretary Dipankar Bhattacharya had said on Sunday in Patna.

Courtesy: The Asian Age