Uphill task for Cong to allot tickets to Pappu's aides in Bihar elections

The Congress leadership in Bihar is facing a dilemma over accommodating staunch supporters of independent MP from Purnia, Rajesh Ranjan alias Pappu Yadav, as ticket aspirants, in light of strong reservations from its key ally Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and some senior Congress leaders.

- Subhas Pathak

PATNA:

Pappu Yadav had merged his Jan Adhikar Party (JAP) with the Congress in March last year, ahead of the Lok Sabha elections.

However, he contested and won the Purnia seat as an Independent after being denied the Congress symbol reportedly due to RJD's opposition. Since then, Yadav—who claims loyalty to the Congress—has remained vocal in his criticism of the RJD, even as he enjoys considerable support from grassroots Congress workers in his region.