Saturday, September 3 2005 17:15 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Patna: Welcoming the Election Commission's announcement for the four-phase poll in Bihar from October 18, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) supremo Lalu Prasad today (Sept 3, 2005) said his party was 'battle ready'.

"I welcome the announcement of the Commission to hold the elections in the state in four phases from October 18. RJD is always ready for the fight", Railway Minister Prasad told sources over phone from Araria where he had gone to attend an official function.

Prasad, however, said it would have been better if due considerations were given to the holy month of Ramazan beginning from October four before announcing the poll dates.

"Authorities are preoccupied with law and order work during Ramazan", he said adding the magnitude of the flood in the month of October could not be gauged at this stage.

He asserted that RJD was fully geared for the ensuing electoral battle in Bihar to inflict a crushing defeat on the communal and fascist forces.