Sharad-led JD (U) ties up with Congress to fight election in western Gujarat

New Delhi, Nov 18: Sharad Yadav-led Janata Dal (United) on Saturday announced its decision to tie-up with the Congress party to contest election on eight to 10 seats in western Gujarat where the socialists have a presence. 

The faction has sought a new election symbol following the decision of the Election Commission on Friday to allow Nitish Kumar-led JD (U) to use the arrow symbol. Gujarat goes to polls in two phases on December 9 and 14.The decision to form an alliance with Congress for fighting elections in Jhagadia and adjoining constituencies was taken at a meeting here between Mr Yadav, sitting JD (U) MLA from Jhagadia Chotubhai Vasava and Congress election in-charge for Gujarat Ashok Gehlot and State President Bharatsinh Madhavsinh Solanki. The Congress was in the grand alliance with Nitish-led JD (U) but the alliance broke after the Bihar Chief Minister tied up with the BJP to run his government.Mr Yadav said the Election Commission’s decision to allot ``arrow symbol” to Nitish-led party was ``incomplete’’ and can be challenged in the Court. "It was a decision taken under pressure,' he said.He said Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking Global Ratings agency, Moody’s approval ratings shows that the party is on the back foot in Gujarat and is pulling out all stops to influence people. UNI