RJD-JD-U alliance likely to opt for separate poll manifestos

The Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and the Janata Dal-United (JD-U) alliance is likely to opt for separate manifestos for the forthcoming assembly elections in Bihar, but will have a Common Minimum Program (CMP), say sources close to the alliance.

The idea of have issuing separate manifestos is gaining acceptance to maintain their respective vote banks.

It is also a view shared by both cadre and voters of these two parties in the rural areas.

This section feels that since both parties share different classes of voters in different sections of bihar demographically, it would be prudent to keep a certain degree of separation.

However, RJD sources have rejected the idea of separate manifesto. The sources claimed that there is another and perhaps a larger section across the two parties in the alliance which is opposed to the idea of having separate manifestos and a common minimum program, and pushing for a common manifesto. This section feels that separate manifestos may impact negatively on the strength of the coalition.

While advocating the need for a common manifesto, one RJD source said that a separate manifesto would lead the rival BJP to take advantage and claim that there is a divide between the alliance partners, and it is so strong, that they have to issue separate manifestos.

However, the top leadership from both parties is yet to take a decision on this move. A meeting of the coordination committee of both parties is expected this week, and thereafter a final call maybe taken on it. 

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