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Laloo-Congress talks inconclusive

Tara Shankar Sahay in New Delhi

The crucial talks between Rashtriya Janata Dal chief Laloo Prasad Yadav and senior Congress leaders on government-formation in Bihar remained inconclusive today.

Congress spokesman Ajit Jogi told newsmen that the absence of party president Sonia Gandhi, who is in Madhya Pradesh, hampered discussions.

Laloo flew in from Patna this afternoon and went straight to Parliament where he held the first round of talks with former union finance minister Dr Manmohan Singh.

Jogi said Dr Singh was assisted by Pranab Mukherjee, Madhavrao Scindia and Mohsina Kidwai.

The RJD chief left Dr Singh's chamber quietly from the rear door without meeting waiting mediapersons.

Jogi said the arrival of Sonia and top party leaders from Bihar was awaited.

It is understood that the Congress leadership has decided to extract as much political advantage as possible for the party in Bihar where the RJD is desperate to obtain the support of its 23 legislators.

RJD MP Raghuvansh Prasad Singh indicated that his party was willing to give ministerial postings to all 23 Congress legislators. "There are many jumbo cabinets around...what's wrong if Bihar too has one?" he asked.

He added that secular-minded parties were determined to keep the communal forces out of power in Bihar and "that is why we will have a secular government comprising the RJD, the Congress and others."

EARLIER REPORTS
Laloo arrives in Delhi, Congress will drive a hard bargain
Laloo-Congress talks on forming Bihar government begin

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