Intense political activity continues in Bihar

March 02, 2005

The Raj Bhavan in Patna is the centre of intense political activity in Bihar these days and Governor Buta Singh is a busy man after election results were announced on Sunday.

So far, not a single party has come forward to stake claim to form the government.

But barring the RJD, most of the parties did meet with the governor and petition against the RJD forming the government.

"So far, 141 MLAs have given in writing that they're going to vote against the RJD. We have requested the governor that in a house of 243, when 141 have decided to oppose Lalu, he should not be invited," said Nand Kishore Yadav, NDA Convenor, Bihar.

In the root of the entire problem is the verdict given by the voters in Bihar. In the 243-member house, a party or a coalition requires support of 122 legislators to prove the majority.

But the RJD has 75 MLAs of its own and so far enjoys the support of only 10 Congress legislators - three from the CPI, four from the NCP, two from the BSP and one from CPM.

The NDA claims that apart from its 92 legislators, seven of the 17 independent candidates have given it support.

But it's the 29 Lok Janshakti legislators, seven CPI (ML) and four Samajwadi party MLAs who are keeping everybody on tenterhooks as they have indicated in writing that they don't plan to support either the NDA or the RJD.

And taking advantage of this situation, the RJD wants to stake a claim. The party is hopeful that the LJP will not side with the NDA.

"Whoever wants to take whatever line can do so. I will sit in the opposition," maintained Lalu Prasad Yadav, RJD President.

However, the fate of the next government will be ultimately decided by Governor Buta Singh.