The Congress appears reconciled to the possibility of a virtual division in its Bihar unit over the creation of a separate Vananchal state with its North Bihar leaders siding with the ruling Rashtriya Janata Dal and those of South Bihar sticking to the official party line.
Meanwhile, the party has demanded that the Centre should first announce a financial package for Bihar before carving out the cash-rich Vananchal region. The financial package was originally an idea of RJD leader Laloo Prasad.
Tuesday's Congress Working Committee meeting deliberated on the pros and cons of supporting Vananchal at a time when Laloo Prasad was set to make a big issue out of division of Bihar. Finally, a compromise stand was taken.
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The rider of a financial package was meant to satisfy the North Bihar leaders whereas supporting the Bill wasmeant to keep South Bihar party leaders happy.
The Bihar Congress Legislature Party (CLP) yesterday decided to extend "full" support to the Bihar State Reorganisation (Vananchal) Bill.
But CLP leader Ramashray Prasad Singh did not give any merits for supporting Vananchal. Instead, he told reporters that the legislature party would abide by the CWC decision.
Congress which is supporting the Rabri Devi government from outside, has, however, not taken any decision to withdraw support to the government. But, the Congress MLAs will have to vote in favour of Vananchal.