INDIA bloc allies cautious as Cong seeks more seats

EVEN as Congress is trying to regain ground in North India, its push for a larger share of seats in Bihar has made the INDIA bloc allies cautious ahead of the assembly elections due in October-November.

- RAMASHANKAR @ Patna _

Congress is demanding 70 seats and, according to party sources, speculation is it may agree to fewer if given the deputy chief minister's post.

CPI(ML) General Secretary Dipankar Bhattacharya said on Friday that the Congress should be more realistic in seat-sharing and focus on improving its strike rate, which would benefit both the party and the alliance.

RJD too reminded Congress of its poor record in 2020, when it contested 70 seats but won only 19. Congress should remember this while making demands, RJD spokesperson Mrityunjay Tiwari said.