'Only one front' in Bihar, says JD(U), dismisses SP-led alliance

Sharad Yadav said that there was 'only one front' in the state, that of his party with RJD and Congress

JD(U) president Sharad Yadav today dismissed the Samajwadi Party-driven formation of a 'Third Front' for the Bihar polls and said that there was "only one front" in the state, that of his party with RJD and Congress.

The Rajya Sabha MP also said that his party has finalised a list of candidates for the October-November polls and was waiting to conclude seat-sharing talks with Congress even as he dismissed claims of bickering within the grand alliance.

With reports suggesting that Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and RJD president Lalu Prasad were not going to turn up at Congress Vice-President Rahul Gandhi's weekend rally, Yadav said there was "nothing deliberate behind it."

"These leaders are busy with ticket distribution and there is no time. Other leaders of our parties though are going to be there. There is nothing deliberate behind it," he said here.

Days after pulling out of the grand alliance of JD(U)- RJD-Congress, Samajwadi Party yesterday announced it was forging a coalition along with NCP, NPP and Samajwadi Janata Dal (Democratic) to contest the upcoming Bihar elections as the 'Third Front'.

But reacting to the development ahead of the polls, Yadav said, "There is only one front and that is of JD(U)-RJD- Congress. We don't comment on all these issues (on formation of SP-led front), but there exists only one front... Ours."

He further added, "We have finalised our candidates. Only thing is discussion with Congress is going on. They (opposition parties) are declaring candidates in phases, we will do it in one go."

The JD(U) leader said that the grand alliance will contest the polls on the issue of development and Kumar's track record.

"Our chief minister has taken the state a long way along the path of development. We want to change the equation of politics in the nation," he said.