NCP slams Bihar's 'Maha Gathbandhan' which ignores Muslims

Reacting sharply to it being ignored in the 'maha gathbandhan' in Bihar, the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) on Wednesday slammed the seat sharing arrangement of the JD-U-RJD-SP-led coalition, and alleged that it did not need it or a Muslim face in Bihar.

"This seat sharing signals that this 'maha gathbandhan' doesn't need NCP or a Muslim face," said NCP leader Tariq Anwar.

Anwar accused both Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and RJD chief Lalu Yadav of ignoring the NCP and making Muslims feel helpless in the state.

"They feel that Muslims in Bihar will vote compulsorily and helplessly for the maha gathbandhan, so they don't need a Muslim face in Bihar," Anwar told ANI.

Asked if the his party will go along with the NDA in the Bihar elections, Anwar said, there is no question of a patch up with the NDA, but a decision would be taken after a meeting with party workers in Bihar.

"No question of coalition with the NDA, but we will take a call on going alone in this election only after a discussion with party workers in the state," said the NCP leader.

"We will see what other coalition gets formed before this election. The coalition which is progressive, democratic and secular, we may go along with them," he added.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar today announced the seat sharing formula for Bihar, in which he announced 100 seats each to the RJD and JDU and 40 seats for the Congress. Three seats were allocated for other national parties like the NCP and INLD.