Some parties afraid to join INDIA alliance because of BJP: JD(U)

Bihar CM Nitish Kumar also said some parties were with the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) “only out of fear” and could be part of the INDIA alliance in the post-poll scenario.

Bihar CM Nitish Kumar. (Express Photo)

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Bihar CM Nitish Kumar Friday took a potshot at PM Narendra Modi claiming that the prime minister has time to travel to other countries but he does not respond to important questions in Parliament. Kumar also said some parties were with the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) “only out of fear” and could be part of the INDIA alliance in the post-poll scenario.

Asked about Kumar’s statement, Janata Dal (United) Chief Spokesperson K C Tyagi told the Indian Express: “One can easily make out that if Telangana CM K Chandrasekhar Rao and his Andhra Pradesh counterpart Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy are not coming with us, it is only because of the BJP’s vendetta politics. I wonder how the TDP and the YSRCP can co-exist if they happen to join the NDA?”

Tyagi added that Kumar was one of the few national leaders who can take the BJP head-on.

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“Against a weak and inconsequential NDA alliance, the INDIA alliance has taken shape very well. It is quite possible that we come up with our political agenda in the upcoming Mumbai meet (Aug 31-Sept 1),” he said.

Tyagi added that the INDIA alliance could plan a sustained state-wise campaign in the coming days to take on the BJP on various national issues.

Asked about the possible Mumbai agenda of the alliance, Tyagi said: “Our alliance would take a formal shape by giving clarity on its policies and programs.” He, however, parried questions on the chances of Kumar becoming the national convener of the INDIA alliance.

BJP National Spokesperson Guru Prakash Paswan, however, said: “Politics of fear and compulsion is the driving force for Nitish Kumar. Bihar CM must not forget that he himself is a product of the NDA. He owes his political existence to the NDA. In his mindless and incessant lust for power, he has crossed all limits…”

Santosh Singh

Santosh Singh is a Senior Assistant Editor with The Indian Express since June 2008. He covers Bihar with main focus on politics, society and governance. Investigative and explanatory stories are also his forte. Singh has 25 years of experience in print journalism covering Bihar, Delhi, Madhya Pradesh and Karnataka. ... Read More

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