Lalu to attend SP event, Nitish not

While RJD president Lalu Prasad has confirmed participation in the Samajwadi Party foundation day function on November 5 at Lucknow, JD(U) today made it clear that Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar would not be able to make it to the programme.

Absence of Nitish Kumar would dent Mulayam Singh Yadav's efforts to cobble up a broad coalition of socialist and secular forces ahead of crucial Uttar Pradesh poll early next year by parading prominent leaders on one platform at SP's 25th foundation day function.

Lalu's close aide Bhola Yadav, MLA, confirmed RJD chief's participation in the SP function at Lucknow.

Bihar JD(U) president Basistha Narayan Singh said "there is fight within Samajwadi Party (SP) family and we do not want to be seen with any one side in this feud." 

JD(U) Secretary General K C Tyagi said party chief would not be able to make it to November 5 event at Lucknow due to Chhath festival.

"You know how important is Chhath festival for the people of Bihar...if he (Nitish Kumar) goes there leaving Chhath, BJP would attack him for not being with the people of the state on such a pious occasion," Tyagi said.