Cong-RLD alliance in UP hits a roadblock

Congress-Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) electoral alliance in Uttar Pradesh has reportedly hit a hurdle after the latter staked its claim over 17 Lok Sabha seats in the state.

According to the RLD sources here, the Congress is willing to concede only ten seats. “We want 17 seats...we are in a position to win all of these seats”, said a senior RLD leader here while speaking to Deccan Herald on Wednesday.

The leader said that RLD chief and Union minister Ajit Singh had met senior Congress leaders to discuss the seat sharing arrangements but came to no agreement. “The talks are continuing...we hope that our demand will be conceded by Congress”, the leader went on to add.

He said that the RLD was in a strong position in the 'jat' belt in the western region of the state after the announcement of reservation for the 'jat' community in jobs. “Jats had been demanding reservation for a long time...we have been able to provide them that”, the leader remarked.

He also said that the RLD was better placed at some seats in the eastern and central regions as well. Ajit Singh is likely to meet Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi in the next few days to sort out the issue.