Minor glitches hold up Congress pact with RLD

NEW DELHI: Congress, engaged in negotiations with Ajit Singh's Rashtriya Lok Dal for an alliance in poll-bound Uttar Pradesh, may part with 45 seats for its new ally.

As per a senior Congress leader, the final announcement is being delayed as Ajit Singh was insisting on 'friendly fight' in five seats where Congress has already announced nominees. Besides, Congress leadership will also have to make a formal commitment to accommodate Ajit Singh at the Centre.

According to Congress leaders, a pact with RLD, which commands considerable clout among Jats of western Uttar Pradesh, is critical for consolidation of non-BSP votes. Mayawati's party had made impressive gains in western UP in the last assembly election.

Although RLD had expressed its willingness to work with Congress soon after the last Lok Sabha polls, the latter wanted Ajit Singh's party to merge with it. After Singh vetoed the proposal, the Congress leadership was forced to discuss a seat sharing agreement with RLD.

Despite Rahul Gandhi's campaign against land acquisition in western Uttar Pradesh, Congress has not been able to make its presence felt in the region. Given this backdrop, the party cannot afford to go it alone. Ajit Singh faces challenge not just from big players, but also the smaller identity-based outfits.