NCP looking to contest limited seats in Bihar polls: Pawar

Says they have adopted a pragmatic and rational approach

NCP President Sharad Pawar today expressed confidence that the JD(U)-RJD led alliance in Bihar will emerge as a good alternative and his party was looking to contest limited number of seats.

Addressing a press conference ahead of the NCP's two-day national executive and convention starting here this evening, Pawar said NCP was eying limited number of seats in the alliance.

"We have adopted a pragmatic and rational approach. I believe the people of Bihar will change the course of national politics through their verdict in the upcoming Assembly polls," he said.

He said NCP had won one Lok Sabha seat in Bihar and his party expected Assembly seats in proportionate ratio. NCP General Secretary Tariq Anwar had won from Katihar seat in Bihar in the last general election.

"We are seeking limited seats which we can win," Pawar said, adding that efforts would be taken to ensure that there is no division of votes and strengths of other parties in the alliance would also be considered.

Asked how many seats NCP was expecting in the secular alliance in coming Bihar poll, Pawar said Tariq Anwar has been authorised to take a decision in this regard in consultation with leaders of other alliance partners.

Pawar said he was expecting to meet Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar during the course of his stay here.

He said in the Legislative council polls for 24 seats scheduled on July 7, RJD and JD(U) were contesting ten seats each, Congress is contesting three and NCP one.