'Lalu's action will ensure split in secular votes'

Patna, Nov 1: Beleagured RJD leader Shivanand Tiwari today blamed party supremo Lalu Prasad for fractured UPA in Bihar and said the split in secular votes in the byelection to Nalanda and Bhagalpur Parliamentary constituencies on November 6, is imminent.

Following bitter political relations with Mr Prasad, Mr Tiwari said the former Chief Minister should not have ignored the claims of the Congress and the CPM for Bhagalpur Lok Sabha seat.

He said being a major ally of the UPA, RJD had the responsibility to ensure unity among the partners.

''The Congress and the CPM are time-tested friends of RJD because both had vigorously opposed the dismissal of Rabri government and imposition of President's rule in Bihar'' he added.

''Lalu is working in autocratic style without caring about other party leaders' opinion and this would lead to further erosion of the mass base of the RJD'' he said.

''Laluji has ensured defeat of his party in the byelection before the voting itself because of his whimsical action,'' he remarked.

Mr Tiwari asked how could Mr Prasad support an independent candidate in Nalanda when candidate of one of the constituent units of the UPA is in the fray.

UNI