Congress plays down Lalu-Pranab tirades

Congress on Wednesday termed the verbal duel between RJD chief Lalu Prasad and external affairs minister Pranab Mukherjee as a "political discourse", indicating that it was normal during elections.
 
"This is a political discourse. This is election..." party spokesman Anand Sharma told reporters here.
 
Replying to a volley of questions whether it was the end of the road for Prasad in the next Cabinet, as indicated by Mukherjee, Sharma said forming the government was a game of numbers.
 
"How can we say how the government will look like...After 16th (May)? The new government will take office and it depends on the numbers," the spokesman added.

Asked whether Congress had closed its door for Prasad, Sharma said, "I am not saying anything... Wait for the 16th. Cabinet formation is the prerogative of the prime minister".

Sharma said no secular democratic government will be formed without Congress and that is the "hard reality".

On a query about the treatment of its allies by Congress, the party leader said it treated its allies with respect.
 
"Right now, we are fighting elections against them (RJD)," Sharma added.