RJD admits to mistakes during ticket distribution

On the verge of being ousted from power after ruling Bihar for 15 years, the Rashtriya Janata Dal on Monday admitted that it had committed 'mistakes' while distributing tickets for the recently held assembly election.

"There had been mistakes in ticket distribution but if elections are held again, we will rectify those mistakes and come back (to power)," RJD leader and Rural Development Minister Raghuvansh Prasad Singh said.

• Bihar has been under President's rule 7 times

He was talking to reporters in New Delhi on the sidelines of a conference to launch a programme for developing the skills of the rural poor.

"The people will teach all the parties a lesson and the LJP [Lok Janshakti Party], headed by Ramvilas Paswan, will be defeated," he said.

• Bihar: Lalu says no threat to UPA

Asked if the poll outcome and the possible imposition of President's rule in Bihar would have an impact at the Centre, he said, "I am not in agreement with those who say that state politics will have its influence at the Centre. It is a coalition government at the Centre and the UPA [United Progressive Alliance] government is running smoothly."