Battle for Ara: Laloo's split may do the trick

ARA: This constituency is agog with rumours of all kinds. Laloo Prasad Yadav is being credited for the candidature of not just the RJD''s Kanti Singh, whom he moved here from Bikramganj, but even her rivals.
From Ranvir Sena''s Brahmeshwar Nath Singh to Samajwadi Party''s Narendra Kumar Singh and even Samata Party''s Hanuman Prasad, all are believed to actually be invisible hands behind Kanti Singh.
Her supporters call them votekatwas - those who cut into the votes of rivals - who could help her walk happily to Parliament. The split-and-win tactic seems to be paying off too.
Upper caste voters, expected to support JD(U) candidate, Kanti''s chief rival, stand deeply fragmented.
While 1.25 lakh Bhumihars have consolidated themselves behind Brah-meshwar Singh, nearly three lakh Rajputs will support Narendra Kumar Singh, a moneybag from Mumbai. But Laloo''s candidate has reason to be happy as he takes precious votes from JD(U).
Haridwar Singh, a winner in 1998 and contesting on a Samata symbol this year, is also expected to corner some Rajput votes to the disadvantage of the JD(U).
On the other hand, the strong Yadav electorate of more than three lakh has taken on the task of protecting the honour of the lady of the community.
A kind of farman has been issued by Yadav leaders invoking all to vote for her. What''s more when a promising leader like Baiju Yadav has joined the RJD.