Political understanding reached between JVM and JD(U) is seen as part of larger political goal in the lines of Third Front at national level among political pundits. Both the parties, regional satraps in Jharkhand and Bihar respectively, are admitting that the alliance would come handy if possibility of a non-Congress non-BJP Government arises after 2014 polls.
Talking about the step, JVM general secretary Praveen Singh denies reading much between the lines. “The discussions have been conducted but are largely confined to walk along. We think that the JVM can help the JD(U) in 16-17 parliamentary constituencies in Bihar where tribal voters are only in considerable numbers. But you cannot call it as any kind of coalition,” said Singh.
The meeting between JVM chief Babulal Marandi and JD(U) leader KC Tyagi in Delhi on Tuesday saw the understanding being arrived at. As per the understanding, both the parties would help each other in their own bastions without any confirmation on seat sharing in the States ahead of the parliamentary polls. “The JD(U) wanted our help for the tribal votes and there is no coalition between us on more than that. We are not going to field our candidates in Bihar and I don’t think JD(U) is in a position to think about any seat in Jharkhand. We would be supplementary to each other,” said Singh.
The theory also gets a boost as Babulal Marandi had participated in a conclave of 17-odd parties held in Delhi about a month back. The meeting saw left parties besides regional forces from the North-East, some southern States and Uttar Pradesh sharing the dais and unifying for an alternate front ahead of the general elections. The possibility holds some water in case both the UPA and NDA would be denied a clear mandate to form Government. The Babulal Marandi-led party has already announced to contest all the 14 lok Sabha seats in Jharkhand.
Though, the JD(U) is looking beyond just the cooperation. “Coalition issue has been talked in the meeting which is a reality for any party in today’s time. We would sit together later on and see which seat we can win while fighting together. The JVM’s announcement to field candidates on all the lok Sabha seats in Jharkhand was made before the understanding reached,” said Khiru Mahto, former State president of JD(U) in Jharkhand.
Mahto though declined to identify the seats in Jharkhand which his party may eye if both the parties advance up to the level of seat sharing agreement in the State. JD(U) has no presence in the lok Sabha polls earlier but after parting ways with the BJP it may bank upon leaders like Gopal Krishna Patar and few others.