Sources say Prasad’s initiatives at rearranging Bihar’s caste-based political calculus are seen as being aimed at pushing his alliance partner and Janata Dal (United) leader Nitish Kumar on the backfoot. And with possibilities of a snap mid-term election not ruled out, Lalu Prasad has moved swiftly to bolster his political position over past few weeks. Although Manjhi’s party won just one seat in 2015, it polled approximately 5% votes. Tribal constitute nearly 9% votes and a tie up with the RJD is likely to place him in a better position. Prasad is also said to be hopeful that the Congress would support such a formation, senior RJD leaders say.

Source: Hindustan Times July 25, 2017 08:37 UTC