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Patna, Oct 11 (IANS) Rashtriya Lok Morcha (RLM) chief Upendra Kushwaha on Saturday dismissed reports of discontent among National Democratic Alliance (NDA) allies over seat sharing ahead of Bihar assembly elections and said discussions were still on.
It is expected that NDA will make a formal announcement on seat sharing during the day on Saturday. The alliance in Bihar includes five major partners – BJP, JD(U), Chirag Paswan-led LJP (Ram Vilas), Jitan Ram Manjhi-led HAM(S), and Kushwaha-led RLM.
Speaking to reporters, Kushwaha clarified, “The media reports about the consensus on seat sharing in the NDA, including some seats being given to my party, are wrong. Discussions are on. Further talks will continue in Delhi based on the information given by the Bharatiya Janata Party. The discussions are not over yet. The talks in Delhi will focus on how many seats are required.”
He further said that his party would not reveal the number of seats sought from the alliance and said that only the final decision would be made public.
Earlier in the day, Kushwaha had also termed the media reports as baseless and “rumours”.
He wrote, “Don’t pay attention to the rumors going around. The conversation is not over yet. Wait…! I don’t know how news is being spread in the media. If someone is planting news, it is deception, it is betrayal. You all remain alert like this.”
Meanwhile, according to sources, the ongoing NDA talks have reached a consensus that BJP and JD(U) will jointly contest around 200 to 203 seats, while the remaining 40 to 42 seats will be divided among the three smaller allies.
As per the tentative arrangement, Chirag Paswan’s LJP (Ram Vilas) is likely to get 26 seats, Jitan Ram Manjhi’s Hindustan Awam Morcha (HAM) eight, and Upendra Kushwaha’s Rashtriya Lok Morcha (RLM). six.
–IANS
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