Pappu Yadav hints at third alliance in Bihar

Former Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Pappu Yadav on Sunday said a third alliance would soon be formed in Bihar and added that talks in this regard are on with the Congress and former chief minister Jitan Ram Manjhi.

Yadav, who was expelled from the RJD earlier this month for indulging in anti-party activities, said the people of the state now want respite from those politicians who have looted Bihar.

"The youth and farmers of Bihar have been a witness to all this. For the benefit of ten crore population of the state, I would like this third alliance to be formed," Yadav told the media here.

"There is a press conference at 5 pm today and the decision in this regard will be made after that. A third alternative or alliance anything is possible. I will definitely not go with the corrupt parties, who have looted Bihar for a long time," he added.

The former RJD leader also used the occasion to shower praise on Manjhi and said that he has given a different dimension to the governance in Bihar.

"If a third party is formed, I would like Manjhi ji to join us. The Congress must also join us," said Yadav.

"There is no possibility of joining hands with the BJP. We are also not yet thinking about joining hands with the JD (U) or the RJD," he added when asked whether he would join hands with the BJP, Janata Dal (United) or the RJD.

Yadav further said the ultimate power lies with the people of Bihar.

"The people will decide who should be the kingmaker. They will decide whether Pappu Yadav can bring about a change in Bihar," he said.

According to reports, the assembly polls in Bihar would be held most likely in September or October this year.

The BJP, which along with its allies had won 31 of the 40 seats in Bihar in the 2014 Lok Sabha polls, is set for a battle against a united Janata Parivar comprising of the JD (U) and RJD.