However, speculation is also rife in the political circle both in Delhi and Patna that the Congress may make another bid to cause a split in the Janata Dal (United) parliamentary party.

As RJD has just four MPs and it is in all practical purpose supporting the UPA in the Centre it would not be out of place to woo at least 14 out of 20 Lok Sabha MPs––that is two-third ––of the Janata Dal (United) to the UPA. This will largely compensate for the loss of 18 MPs of the DMK.

The truth is that barring a couple of Lok Sabha MPs, who are die hard supporters of Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar all the others are feeling suffocated within the party. The other three MPs who are close to Nitish are N K Singh, Ali Anwar and Shivanand Tiwary, but they all are Rajya Sabha members.
The truth is that the Janata Dal (United) leadership has already made up its mind to kick out at least four of its Lok Sabha MP, including the former state party chief, Lallan Singh. Recently Captain Jai Narayan Nishad once again raised a banner of revolt against the state government in Bihar.

Interestingly, Lalu Yadav’s stay in Delhi on the day his party, the RJD was observing its 15th foundation day (July 5) in Patna is significant. There is strong likelihood of change in portfolio and induction of new faces. Though his bargaining position has been greatly reduced after 2009 Lok Sabha poll he is still keeping his fingers crossed.

Political observers are of the view that in such situation offering ministerial berth to a couple of breakaway Janata Dal (United) MPs would be much more beneficial for the UPA. As most of the rebel Janata Dal (United) MPs have gone too far away from Nitish it would not be surprising if they really switch sides.

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