RJD to field candidates against Cong in Bihar: Lalu

In a new turn in their tussle, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) Chief Lalu Prasad today declared his party's intention to field its candidates against the Congress in three seats held by it in Bihar and accused it of trying to "finish" regional parties.

Blowing hot and cold against Congress, Lalu likened Congress' aim of contesting 37 seats in Bihar to build their organisation as "digging a well when one's house is on fire".

Arguing that Congress alone is not UPA, he told reporters that "if the name UPA name remains it is good, otherwise some other name can be adopted and some other front will be formed".

In reply to questions, he said there is no plan to ally with the third front. "We are part and parcel of UPA... Its my responsibility to keep the UPA intact and I am ready to make any sacrifice for it."

Lalu also said the UPA will come back to power and that Manmohan is "suitable" for being the Prime Minister again.

Notwithstanding the battle with Congress in Bihar, Lalu said he has "high respect" for Congress President Sonia Gandhi and did not want to involve her in any controversy.

Carrying his fight with Congress which has announced that it will contest 37 of the 40 seats in Bihar, including giving tickets to his estranged brother-in-law Sadhu Yadav, he said RJD will field candidates in Aurangabad, Sasaram and Madhubani -- the three seats held by Congress now.