General elections 2014: Sonia Gandhi, Lalu Yadav to share dais for Congress-RJD campaigns in Bihar

PATNA: Congress President Sonia Gandhi and RJD supremo Lalu Prasad will share the dais during the party's campaigns for the five phases of Lok Sabha elections in the state after April 10.

"Soniaji and RJD President Lalu Prasad will share the dais in public rallies after April 10 while canvassing for the remaining five phases of elections in the state," Congress state unit Vice-President Prem Chand Mishra told reporters here.

Incidentally, the Congress leader had shared the dais with RJD candidate and former Union minister Kanti Singh during a rally in Sasaram on April 3, Mishra pointed out.

He blamed both the BJP and JD(U) for spreading 'rumours' about a deteriorating relation between Congress and RJD, and also slammed BJP prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi for his remarks on 'pink revolution' and 'cow slaughter' at a rally in Nawada.

"Cows are being slaughtered in Gujarat also, so why Narendra Modi is silent about it," he said.

Mishra also questioned BJP's right to seek votes from Bihar though it has not mentioned any special package for the state in its manifesto.

He also sought clarification on BJP's tie-up with Shiv Sena and Maharashtra Navanirman Sena (MNS), which beat up people from Bihar.

The Congress leader also stated that JD(U) was fighting a lost battle in the Lok Sabha elections and adviced them to withdraw its candidates and support the UPA in its battle against BJP.

"We are in a direct battle with BJP and JD(U) is nowhere in the picture. It should withdraw its candidates if it really wants to defeat Narendra Modi and strengthen secularism in the country," Mishra said.

Meanwhile, RJD national spokesperson Manoj Jha said that separate candidates for the by-polls for five assembly seats should not be seen as a friction in the alliance with Congress. It is just a friendly fight.