Suheldev Bharatiya Samaj Party (SBSP) is ready to contest the upcoming Bihar elections independently in case seat-sharing talks with the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) don't work out, chief Om Prakash Rajbhar said.
He asserted that the party's first choice, however, is to contest the polls in alliance with the NDA.
"Our first preference is to contest the elections in alliance with the NDA. Around 70 per cent of the discussions have been finalised, and 30 per cent is still pending. However, we are also preparing for a second option," Rajbhar told reporters at his party's headquarters in Rasra, Ballia district.
The UP Panchayati Raj Minister also pointed out that due to pressure from certain Bihar leaders, an agreement has not been reached yet. "We are fully prepared to contest the elections independently," he added.
Rajbhar made it clear that his party will not join the INDIA bloc. "Many parties are working outside the INDIA alliance, and talks are underway with some of them. If talks with the BJP do not succeed, we will form a separate front and contest elections. We are actively working on 156 seats," he added.
The SBSP chief also criticised Congress MP Rahul Gandhi for attacking the poll body. "When he (Rahul Gandhi) travels abroad, he questions India's credibility and attacks the Election Commission. But when his party wins elections, he never raises such concerns. If he believes elections were rigged and victory came through manipulation, he should say so openly and provide evidence."
He further alleged that Rahul Gandhi has already sensed defeat in Bihar, which is why "he has started making baseless statements, similar to those made by former PM VP Singh."
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