Lalan quits, Nitish is chief; JDU calls him ‘PM of INDIA’s ideas’

According to party sources, Singh said at the meeting that he will be contesting the Lok Sabha elections and thus not be able to attend to the party’s affairs “at a time when JD(U) had a crucial role to play among INDIA bloc parties in Bihar”. Singh is JD(U) Lok Sabha MP representing Munger, Bihar.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Singh denied there was a rift between him and Kumar. “Anger? What anger? Why should I be angry? This is the first time I am hearing this word,” he said.

The national executive, sources said, also passed a proposal to authorise Kumar to coordinate with INDIA bloc members on seat sharing ahead of the Lok Sabha elections. The decisions were later ratified by the JD(U)’s national council, party’s chief spokesperson KC Tyagi said.

Calling him “convener” and “prime minister of ideas guiding the INDIA bloc”, Tyagi said Kumar was a “well-accepted leader” and under him the JD(U) will be “more convenient” in discussing seat-sharing with the opposition alliance.

Another party leader said: “A large section of the party cadre was not comfortable with Singh… Also, he could not establish a strong organisation pan-India. His growing proximity with RJD was also the reason.”  With PTI inputs