PATNA, May 15 -- The Congress leadership in Bihar is facing a dilemma over accommodating staunch supporters of independent MP from Purnia, Rajesh Ranjan alias Pappu Yadav, as ticket aspirants, in light of strong reservations from its key ally Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and some senior Congress leaders. Pappu Yadav had merged his Jan Adhikar Party (JAP) with the Congress in March last year, ahead of the Lok Sabha elections. However, he contested and won the Purnia seat as an Independent after being denied the Congress symbol reportedly due to RJD's opposition. Since then, Yadav-who claims loyalty to the Congress-has remained vocal in his criticism of the RJD, even as he enjoys considerable support from grassroots Congress workers in his region. Sources said Yadav has submitted a list of around 150 former JAP leaders to Bihar Pradesh Congress Committee (BPCC) chief Rajesh Kumar and AICC in-charge Krishna Allavaru, requesting their inclusion in the party's organisational structure. He has also sought 12 assembly tickets for what he terms "winnable" candidates in the upcoming elections. However, BPCC president Rajesh Kumar has so far maintained silence on Yadav's demands. Though Yadav remained unavailable for comment, a close aide confirmed that the MP has identified several key constituencies in the Seemanchal region-including Purnea Sadar, Kasba, Supaul, Madhepura, Korha (Katihar), and Saharsa-for his supporters. Notably, he is reportedly eyeing the Madhepura seat for his son, Sarthak Ranjan, who joined Congress alongside him. A senior BPCC leader expressed displeasure over the way Yadav's demands were being aired through the media. "Instead of raking up the issue in public, he should have discussed it with the BPCC chief and the AICC in-charge. We also need to remain mindful of the RJD's concerns when it comes to ticket distribution," said a former BPCC general secretary. BPCC media department head Rajesh Rathore, however, sought to downplay the concerns, saying, "It is the party's responsibility to suitably accommodate the supporters of the Independent MP and scrutinise their candidature for the assembly polls." Meanwhile, a former RJD MLA, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the Congress leadership is fully aware of the RJD's preferences. "If the Congress wants full cooperation from the RJD in the elections, it must respect its ally's reservations," he said. RJD spokesperson and MLA Bhai Birendra stated that while ticket distribution was Congress's internal matter, the quality and stature of candidates would matter during campaigning. "RJD stands committed to supporting INDIA bloc nominees, but the personality of candidates also plays a crucial role," he added....