Thursday, June 30 2005 20:21 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: After a meeting with senior Congress Leader Digvijay Singh who has been made in charge of party affairs in Bihar ahead of coming assembly polls, RJD (Rashtriya Janata Dal) chief and Railway Minister Laloo Prasad today (Jun 30, 2005) appeared to extend an olive branch to his known critic LJP (Lok Janshakti Party) saying, "For us no secular party is untouchable".

"Be it Assembly polls or any other elections, our aim is to defeat the communal forces. Our talks centred around this objective and the talks were good," Prasad told the reporters after the 45-minute first such meeting.

Without naming LJP chief Ramvilas Paswan, he said, "For us no secular party is untouchable, let people say whatever they want. We have to fight jointly." Describing Singh as "his brother", Prasad said Congress leader had come to see him for the first time in Rail Bhawan and he welcomed him heartily.

Parrying questions, Singh said the Railway Minister treated him with 'lassi' (butter milk) in a Kulhar (earthen cup).

On assuming charge as Congress general secretary for Bihar, Singh had at a press conference recently called for a total unity among secular parties and suggested Paswan give up his antipathy towards RJD.