Facing stiff challenge to see JD-U candidates through in the coming by-poll for two Rajya Sabha seats in Bihar, Nitish Kumar today appealed to arch rival Lalu Prasad, the Congress and the Communist Party of India to make common cause to "foil the game plan of the BJP to destabilise the government".   

"I have talked to Lalu Prasad, Congress state chief Ashok Choudhary, its legislature party leader Sadanand Singh and CPI secretary Rajendra Singh seeking their support for the victory of two JD-U candidates in the by-poll to Rajya Sabha in Bihar," Nitish Kumar told reporters.  

The two JD-U nominees -- diplomat-politician Pawan Varmaand Gulam Rasool Balyawi -- are facing stiff challenge from independents -- real estate baron Anil Sharma and Sabir Ali whoare being backed by party rebels and BJP in the June 19 by-poll.   

The party leader and former chief minister said he has appealed to the three secular parties to foil BJP's "design of destabilising the Jitan Ram Manjhi government and thrust an early election in Bihar".