RJD to join JD-U-led government in Bihar

In fact, it was Sharad Yadav who first hinted at a re-alignment of forces with the RJD soon after Nitish Kumar quit his post Saturday.

"We are ready to sink differences with RJD chief Lalu Prasad to form a secular alliance government in Bihar," Sharad said.

Political watcher Satyanarain Madan said Sharad Yadav's move at rapproachment with Lalu's RJD after 17 years of parting ways -- since 1997 -- may change the political landscape in the state.

"It may be out of political compulsion in view of the surge of the BJP led by Narendra Modi, but it will consolidate the divided backward and weaker sections of society," Madan said.

However, some JD-U leaders, including legislators, expressed strong reservation over Sharad Yadav's idea of realignment with the RJD.

The JD-U legislature party is meeting Sunday evening and is expected to elect a new leader as Nitish Kumar is unwilling to take back his resignation.