Ranchi, Jan. 16: The third front, a political platform against the UPA and NDA, was formally announced here today. The front consisting of seven parties will contest all 81 seats.

The Jharkhand Vikas Dal, Rashtriya Lok Dal, Jai Jawan Jai Kishan, BSP (Kanshivadi), Jharkhand Vananchal Congress, Janata Dal (Secular) and Samta Party is part of the tie-up.

Suraj Mandal, president of Jharkhand Vikas Dal, said his party will field candidates in at least 12 seats.

?The people of the state will henceforth have an alternative to the UPA and the NDA The front has decided to contest 19 seats in the first phase of election. Discussions in the remaining seats are on. A decision will be taken in three days,? he said.

The Jharkhand Vikas Dal will fight in seven seats in the first phase, the Rashtriya Lok dal in two, the Jai Jawan Jai Kishan in two, the BSP (Kanshivadi) in four and Jharkhand Vananchal Congress in three.

?We will come out with a common manifesto shortly. If the front wins ,we will waive the farmers? loans, ensure that only local candidates get IIIrd and IVth grade government jobs. Sick industries will be revived, production of fish, eggs and milk will be given priority to generate employment while a network of small hydel power-projects will be created for more electricity? he added.