RJD’s distancing leaves Congress apprehensive

AICC general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra in a conspicuous tweet last week expressed solidarity with Prasad after he was convicted in a fifth fodder scam case. It coincided with RJD’s announcement of candidates for most of the 24 legislative council seats, to be elected by members of local bodies from across the state. Congress leaders feel RJD would announce nominees for the remaining seats and leave just one for CPI, even as CPI-ML and CPI-M have extended unconditional support for RJD candidates.

AICC general secretary Tariq Anwar, who hails from Bihar, said: “When it comes to uniting secular parties against the BJP, the Congress has always adopted an accommodative approach vis-a-vis like-minded regional parties, even if it meant sacrificing some of our electoral interests. I wish RJD has the same attitude towards the Congress, especially in these crucial phases of the fight against the BJP.”