Patna: Mulayam Singh Yadav-led Samajwadi Party may project NCP leader Tariq Anwar as the chief ministerial candidate in Bihar, a move that may scuttle the prospects of JD(U)-RJD alliance plans to consolidate Muslim votes in the upcoming state elections.
NCP leader Tariq Anwar met Samajwadi Party chief Mulayam Singh Yadav on Thursday to form a front after the two parties got short shrift from Nitish Kumar-led grand alliance in poll-bound Bihar.
The two parties, which pulled out of the JD(U)-RJD-Congress grand alliance after being offered raw deal in terms of seat-sharing, decided to join hands earlier this week.
Anwar, who has held preliminary talks with some Left leaders, told PTI that if the alliance with these parties materialises, it would be a credible tie-up at a time when the state is witnessing a tussle between communal forces and "opportunist" forces.
According to media reports, both the parties are trying to woo smaller parties like Seemanchal Krantikary Morcha, in northern state to take on the JD (U)-RJD-Congress and BJP-led NDA alliances.
Seemanchal Krantikari Morcha established by Taslimuddin and Pappu Yadav is spread across Kosi and Seemanchal where there is considerable Muslim and Yadav population. This is one region where BJP did not fare well in the Lok Sabha elections.
Assembly polls in Bihar will be held in 5 phases starting October and ending November 5. Results will be declared on November 8.
