By Rohini Chatterji
Amid reports that Nitish Kumar, the chief minister of Bihar may break his alliance with the BJP, leaders of the BJP have said that they would like him to remain the chief minister and keep the current alliance. Reports also suggested that Kumar may meet the Bihar governor with RJD's Tejaswi Yadav
There has been no official announcement from Kumar or the JD(U) about his exit from the alliance with the BJP and other parties. The RJD has also not made any public statements about the issue.
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What we know so far:
Speaking on the issue Union minister Kaushal Kishore told ANI, "BJP would want that the Govt of JD(U), BJP and other parties, under the Chief Ministership of Nitish Kumar, continue to work strongly and this is in the interest of Bihar as well as the nation."
Kishore, however, said that he did not want to stir up controversy as the "BJP never initiated anything that may stir up a controversy or create a situation of uncertainty among them. JD(U) will make a decision but BJP definitely".
Meanwhile, BJP state minister Shahnawaz Hussain said the BJP will put out an official statement about the issue. "We strengthen our own party, we don't weaken any other party. Going to Patna. Party leadership will give an official statement... We've worked honestly for business & employment of people of Bihar...Party will make a comment, I won't," Hussain told ANI.
While Nitish Kumar has not made an official statement, a huge deployment of security was seen outside his residence in Patna. JD(U) leaders were also seen arriving at Kumar's residence.
ANI reported that JD(U) MLC Kumud Verma and party MP Sunil Kumar arrived at Kumar's residence.
If Kumar does exit the alliance, this wouldn't be the first time. He broke ties with the BJP in 2013 when Narendra Modi was made BJP's campaign committee chief during the 2014 Lok Sabha elections.
