No differences with Left, Muslim votebank intact: Lalu

Patna, Apr 23 (ANI): Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad Yadav on Thursday denied any rift with the Left parties and said that the United Progressive Front (UPA) would welcome a post-poll coalition deal with them if the alliance is not able to succeed in the elections.

Talking to reporters here, Lalu said, "The doors for a post-poll alliance with the Left is still open. We had difference with the Left only over the civilian nuclear deal and nothing else. We have been friends with CPI (M) for a long time."

The Railway Minister, however, expressed confidence about the UPA's win in this year's Lok Sabha polls.

The Congress has gradually softened its stand over the Left.

On Wednesday, External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee said, "I am not ruling out the possibility (of UPA-Left alliance). But there would be no such need as we are optimistic about getting a decisive mandate..."

Meawhile, dismissing media reports that his Muslim vote bank had split with the Congress and the JD (U) making a dent into it, Lalu said, " There is no split in our Muslim support base."

Lalu further asked if the Muslims would ever vote for an alliance, which projects L.K. Advani as its primeministerial candidate. (ANI)