CPI(M) nominates Subhodh Rai at Bhagalpur

Patna, Oct 10(UNI) CPI(M) today named former MP Subodh Rai as party candidate for Bhagalpur Lok Sabha constituency while pledging support to a 'secular' candidate in Nalanda's by-elections slated for November six.

''We have sought support from all secular and democratic parties to ensure defeat of the NDA nominee and the response is encouraging,'' said CPI(M)'s state secretary Vijay Kant Thankur.

The CPI had since extended support to Mr Rai's candidature while Lok Janashakti Party(LJP) had agreed in principle to throw its weight in favour of the candidate, who stood second in the elections, he claimed.

''We hope CPI(ML) will not field any candidate against the CPI(M) nominee in the greater interest of keeping the communal forces at bay,'' he added.

If LJP's notion is accepted by all secular parties, LJP would have legitimate claim on Nalanda while Bhagalpur would go to CPI(M), Mr Thakur contended.

The strategy for garnering support from various sections of the electorate would be finalised at a meeting of state leaders with party's central committee member Hannan Mollah on October 13, he added.

The by-elections were necessitated following resignation of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and his deputy Sushil Kumar Modi as members of Lok Sabha, who represented Nalanda and Bhagalpur constituencies.

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