Leaders of Mahagathbandhan in Bihar hold first meeting since

Leaders of the opposition Mahagathbandhan (Grand Alliance) in Bihar, the multi-party formation which suffered virtual obliteration in the Lok Sabha elections, on Tuesday held a meeting here in an apparent bid to pick up the threads in the state where assembly polls are due next year.

The grouping derives its name from the formation that met with spectacular success in the 2015 assembly polls but came apart following Chief Minister and JD(U) national president Nitish Kumars return to the NDA two years later.

It now comprises original constituents- Rashtriya Janata Dal and Congress besides newer entrants- Rashtriya Lok Samata Party (RLSP), Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM) and Vikassheel Insaan Party (VIP).

The meeting was held at the residence of RJD national vice president and former Chief Minister Rabri Devi where his son and heir apparent Tejashwi Yadav, state unit chief Ram Chandra Purve and veteran leader Jagadanand Singh were among those present.

Congress was represented by its state unit president Madan Mohan Jha while Upendra Kushwaha, Jitan Ram Manjhi and Mukesh Sahni founders of RLSP HAM and VIP respectively
Matters have become worse for the formation in view of the crisis in the Congress following Rahul Gandhis decision to step down as national president and the family drama in the RJD with Lalu Prasads three children active in politics