Sonia was scheduled to address a public meeting in Samastipur on June 15. But suddenly, the programme was cancelled, giving no tangible reason.

However, party sources maintain that the tour was dropped in view of protests from Laloo Prasad, who is not in favour of Sonia launching her election campaign in Bihar without his consent.

Though the Congress high-command has been sending confused signals about its relation with the RJD, the incident has made it clear to state Congress leaders that it will undoubtedly enter into an electoral alliance with the RJD.

Sources close to Laloo Prasad reveal that he was completely opposed to the continuance of present BPCC chief, Sadanand Singh, and had even conveyed his desire to Congress leaders.

In fact, sources say that quite irked at the delay in replacingSingh, Laloo put his foot down and asked Sonia to cancel her visit. They further say that in case Sonia had preferred to come to Bihar on June 15, she would have had speak against the RJD. This was not acceptable to Laloo Prasad.

Samastipur has been a prestigious constituency for Laloo Prasad and under no circumstances would he like the Congress to wrest initiative here.

While Singh has been maintaining a low profile, Congress leaders close to Laloo are in a joyous mood and have even conveyed to Sonia that she should not visit Bihar till the contentious issue of an alliance with the RJD is finalised.