Rashtriya Janata Dal chief Lalu Prasad Yadav on Friday floated the idea of a “federal front”, reported PTI. After Trinamool Congress Chief Mamata Banerjee was sworn in as chief minister of West Bengal, Yadav suggested the formation of a front against the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party, and said all “secular and like-minded” parties had to discuss working together against the Centre.

The RJD chief said the BJP and Sangh were “dividing the nation”. Yadav also criticised the Congress and said it should work harder on its alliances.

He was echoed by National Conference leader Farooq Abdullah, who also attended the event. Abdullah also supported Banerjee and said she has worked for a “secular India”, adding that, “For the development of every single individual of this nation, whether he belongs to the east or west, or north or south, we all will join in that process in uniting this nation together.”

Banerjee’s oath-taking ceremony was attended by a cross-section of leaders including Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav, besides Lalu Prasad Yadav and Farooq Abdullah. However, reports said BJP and Left party leaders in West Bengal boycotted the event to protest the several instances of violence that occurred during the state elections.