Would support move to make Nitish convener of INDIA bloc: Tejashwi

Tejashwi on Thursday reiterated his allegations of the BJP not being able to “think beyond political vendetta”. “It is common knowledge that Central agencies are being used as a weapon to target the Opposition leaders,” he said. Earlier, Tejashwi had cancelled his Australia trip, which was to start from January 6, under “too much political speculation”.

Speaking at an event in Gaya on Wednesday, Tejashwi had cleared the air on ties with the JD(U). Asked about speculation of Nitish being made INDIA bloc convener, the Deputy CM said: “We would support it if it happens.” “There will be a meeting (of the INDIA bloc). We are trying to discuss several things,” he said.

The RJD leader, who also spoke at a function in Jhanjharpur, Madhubani, targeted the BJP for “creating too much hype” over the Ram Mandir consecration in Ayodhya on January 22 . “If you suffer injuries in your leg, would you go to a hospital or see pundits? If you are hungry, would you go to a temple?” he said. Earlier, replying to media questions on whether he would attend the Ayodhya temple inauguration, he said: “I have a temple at home. I have recently been to Tirupati. Such questions are overdone now.”

JD(U) leaders, meanwhile, have been stepping up pressure on the Congress for ceding INDIA’s national convener role to Nitish. The party’s chief spokesperson K C Tyagi said, “Nitish Kumar is a rare leader in contemporary politics with such a clean image and record of steering Bihar to progress from nowhere. He enjoys a great national standing.”

Bihar Social Welfare Minister Madan Sahni said, “Whether Nitish Kumar becomes INDIA bloc convener or its PM nominee, he would play his role with utmost sincerity.”