JD-U candidate quits to ensure BJP's defeat

Janata Dal-United candidate in Bihar's Kishanganj constituency, Akhtarul Iman, Tuesday said he won't contest the Lok Sabha election so as not to divide the anti-BJP votes.

"I have decided not to contest the polls to minimize the chances of a split in secular votes and to ensure the defeat of the BJP in Kishanganj," Akhtarul said.

Akhtarul, who resigned as a RJD legislator last month and joined the JD-U, was the latter's candidate from the Muslim-dominated Kishanganj seat.

Akhtarul, known for his vocal advocacy of secularism, told the media that his presence in the election fray would divide Muslim votes and thus help the Bharatiya Janata Party's Dilip Jayswal.

"I have decided to sacrifice (myself). Now Muslims will vote in favour of the Congress candidate and outgoing MP Ashraraul Haque," he said.

He said the BJP was seeking to divide Muslim votes to ensure a consolidation of Hindu votes in favour of its candidate in the April 24 ballot.

The Congress candidate is also supported by the RJD of Lalu Prasad.