JD-U to quit NDA if BJP returns to Hindutva…

Paswan had already stated that his tie-up with the RJD was limited to the Lok Sabha polls, but had maintained along side that the question of his joining hands with JD (U) could crop up only after it broke off with BJP.

The resolution, released by party president George Fernandes, stated: ‘‘We joined the NDA only after the three controversial issues had been removed from the agenda of the NDA. If any effort is now made to revive them, we will have to take another road. We shall never compromise with religious bigotry.’’

Fernandes admitted that many leaders favoured the JD(U) leaving the NDA. However, he declared that the alliance was ‘‘still on’’. He said, ‘‘We are all working to see that NDA sticks together and stands by the agenda we had presented to the electorate.’’

On the JD (U)’s response in case BJP reverted to Hindutva, Fernandes said, ‘‘It is difficult to say when they are engaged in their own assessment.’’ When asked if his party could go with Paswan in Bihar polls, he said, ‘‘I don’t know if he (Paswan) is interested. If he is interested, then why not?’’ Regarding the Opposition boycott of parliamentary committees, Fernandes said he was waiting for talks ‘‘supposed to take place’’ between LS Speaker Somnath Chatterjee and Leader of the Opposition L.K. Advani to resolve the issue.