Nitish Kumar meets Rahul Gandhi amid alliance trouble, will meet PM Modi later

Will Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar meet with Congress Vice-President Rahul Gandhi during his visit to New Delhi? (File Photo)

Amid ongoing tensions between the JD(U) and its allies in Bihar, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Saturday met Congress Vice-President Rahul Gandhi at the latter’s residence in New Delhi on Saturday. According to reports, Kumar will also attend a dinner hosted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi for outgoing President Pranab Mukherjee.

The meeting has come at a time when trouble is brewing within the Grand Alliance in Bihar after corruption charges were leveled against RJD leader Lalu Prasad Yadav and his family members, including Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav. Tensions have also escalated between Congress and Nitish Kumar in recent days, after the Bihar Chief Minister lent his support to NDA’s presidential candidate and now president-elect Ram Nath Kovind. Congress’ vocal support to Lalu Prasad and his claims that he is being subjected to a political vendetta at the hands of Centre, has also reportedly created tiff between the two parties.

Earlier, showing signs of unity, Rahul Gandhi had warned party leaders of action if anyone targets Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. His remarks came after senior Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad alleged that Nitish Kumar has flexible principles.