SCOOP | Lalu Prasad Yadav threatens Congress of a "friendly fight" after a tug of war situation emerges between Bihar opposition ahead of seat-sharing announcement: Sources

A tug of war situation emerged on Wednesday after Bihar's opposition met in New Delhi to discuss the thorny issue of seat-sharing formula for 40 Lok Sabha seats ahead of 2019 General Elections. Sources have informed Republic TV that Congress, which earlier demanded 15 seats, are being offered 10 seats by the RJD. Rahul Gandhi-led Congress, however, is adamant to gain at least 14 seats in its kitty.  

On the other hand, RJD, RLSP, HAM, VIP and other left parties want to keep the remaining 30 seats to fight the elections.   

Sources have also informed Republic TV that RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav was in constant touch with chief Lalu Yadav in the course of the meeting.

Moreover, seat-sharing is not the only hurdle for the Bihar opposition is facing. As per sources, Congress' Kirti Azad is looking forward to fighting from Darbhanga seat, however, VIP's Mukesh Sahani has also put forth his request to fight from the very same seat. Similarly, Lalu Prasad Yadav at no cost is ready to leave the Begusarai seat for Kanhaiya Kumar as he sees him as a threat to Tejashwi's leadership in Bihar.  

These issues that are emerging gives a clear picture that there are certain internal contradictions within the Mahagathbandhan over the seat-sharing formula for the state of Bihar evenas the Mahagathbandhan leaders says that they will be able to decide it in next few days.

Read: Lok Sabha Elections 2019: Voting Dates In Bihar: Here's When You Can Vote In Bihar For Each Constituency And Phase

Sources have also informed that Congress is putting a lot of pressure on seat sharing that has agitated Lalu Prasad Yadav. When Congress leaders met the RJD chief in Ranchi's hospital, he said that 'let's have a friendly fight'.

The bigger question that arises: Is Bihar Mahagathbandhan going to crumble the Uttar Pradesh way?

Meanwhile, the Congress party will meet on 15 March to decide on future course of action. 

In 2009, Congress had demanded 5 seats but Lalu Prasad offered them mere 3 seats which resulted in a broken alliance.