Not going to SP’s Nov 5 function, says Nitish

Confirming his party's stand, Bihar Chief Minister and JD(U) president Nitish Kumar on Wednesday said he is not going to Lucknow for the November 5 Samajwadi Party foundation day function.

"I will not be able to go to Lucknow for the function (of SP) due to Chhath festival. Chhath is observed in my house and 'Kharna' (an auspicious part of the festival) falls on November 5. In such a situation it will not be possible for me to go there," Kumar told reporters. 

Its ally RJD's president Lalu Prasad has confirmed his participation in the function but Kumar's absence is bound to weaken Mulayam Singh's efforts to cobble up a broad coalition of socialist and secular forces ahead of the assembly polls in Uttar Pradesh early next year by parading prominent leaders on one platform.