With the Election Commission announcing the Lok Sabha elections 2019, all eyes are on Madhepura seat in Bihar that has some high profile aspirants.
The 2014 winner on the seat -- Rajesh Ranjan alias Pappu Yadav, who contested on a Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) ticket and runner up Sharad Yadav, who contesting for the Janata Dal United JD (U) -- are this time heading their own parties.
While Sharad Yadav, after breaking off from Nitish Kumar’s JD(U) over his alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), has floated Loktantrik Janata Dal, Pappu Yadav has floated Jan Adhikar Party Loktantrik.
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Both the leaders are reportedly trying to contest from Madhepura on a ticket of Mahagathbandhan -- a coalition of political parties formed before the 2015 legislative elections in Bihar.
While the sitting MP Pappu Yadav has announced his intention to contest, he is reportedly trying to gain the Congress backing for his candidature. His party leader Akhlaq Ahmed has made it clear that papu Yadav will contest, with or without the Congress support.
The Rashtriya Janata Dal, on the other hand, is unwilling to let go of the seat. A large section of the party wants their candidate to contest from Madhepura.
{{/usCountry}}The Rashtriya Janata Dal, on the other hand, is unwilling to let go of the seat. A large section of the party wants their candidate to contest from Madhepura.
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According to sources, Sharad Yadav is being pressured to contest the seat under the RJD symbol. If it works out, the Mahagathbandhan may throw its weight behind him.
In the rival camp, JD(U) is set to contest the Madhepura seat this time following its poll pact with ally Bharatiya Janata Party. They are yet to zero in on a candidate.
Bihar is set to go to polls in seven phases beginning April 11.