``We have lost only in the parliamentary game of numbers. Otherwise the situation in Bihar has not changed much. The merit of the Union Government's case was never in doubt,'' he told newsmen.

The meeting took place in the context of the sudden threat by six Independent Bihar MLAs to break ties with the RJD, thereby, creating an atmosphere of uncertainty a few days before Rabri seeks a vote confidence in the Assembly.

However, it is unclear what was discussed at the meeting. ``It was a cordial call. that is what I will say,'' he said. Pressed, he added, ``I and Advani have been old friends. We are co-workers''. Advani, too, refused to divulge details.

Even as uncertainty prevails about the vote of confidence scheduled forMarch 17, Congress spokesperson Ajit Jogi maintained that Laloo had told them he did not require their support to prove the RJD's majority. He said the question of the congress backing the Rabri Government did not arise since Laloo did not seem to need their help. He added that March 17 was still a few days away.

Bhandari scotched rumours of his trying to leave Bihar. ``I have planned no such move. I am still doing my duty,'' he said.

Asked about the situation in Bihar, Bhandari said he was keeping his fingers crossed. ``I hope it does not deteriorate further,'' he said. On the centre's misadventure with the Rabri Devi regime, Bhandari said, ``under the circumstances, invoking Article 356 was the only way out to get things right in the state. The matter has to be viewed seriously and with objectivity.''

Though he made clear that he would not be drawn into a fresh war of words with the Rabri regime, he insisted, ``Laloo Prasad Yadav is not the Government in Bihar.''