Gehlot meets allies as INDIA bloc scrambles to quell Bihar tensions

Former Rajasthan chief minister and Congress election observer for the Bihar assembly polls, Ashok Gehlot, on Wednesday announced that the Mahagathbandhan (MGB) alliance was fully united and would contest the upcoming elections together, dispelling rumours of internal rifts. Speaking after meetings with Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad and his son Tejashwi Yadav at the residence of former Bihar CM Rabri Devi, Gehlot said all outstanding issues would be clarified at a press conference on Thursday.

- Subhash Pathak

Accompanied by All India Congress Committee in-charge for Bihar, Krishna Allavaru, Gehlot engaged in daylong discussions with the RJD leadership to resolve seat sharing disputes within the MGB, which comprises the RJD, Congress, Left parties (CPI, CPI-M, CPI-ML Liberation) and Vikassheel Insaan Party (VIP).

"The MGB is fighting the elections as a united front. There are minor issues on 5-7 seats due to local dynamics, and friendly contests may occur in a few constituencies, but this is not unusual in a large alliance," Gehlot said, dismissing speculations of discord.