If BJP wants, it may part ways with Nitish: JD(U)

'We have neither tied the legs of BJP nor bent before them to continue support to us,' says Shivanand Tiwari

Daring BJP to withdraw support from the Nitish Kumar government in Bihar, JD(U) today said it had not stopped the saffron party on its support to them as it was free to take a decision.

"We have neither tied the legs of BJP nor bent before them to continue support to us. BJP is independent to take its decision...We will not function as per the wishes of the BJP," Janata Dal (United) Spokesman Shivanand Tiwari told reporters.

He, however, said "nobody will be happy if the alliance breaks down after 17 years of journey together."

Tiwari, who is leader of JD (U) in Rajya Sabha, said, "BJP should respect its allies instead of humiliating them."

He said BJP should not forget that no single party could form government at the Centre anymore.

"Despite claims by Congress and BJP that they are national party, but now there is nothing like that. We are ruling in one state while they are in power in four states...This is the only difference now," said Tiwari, a close confidant of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar.

"Regional parties have registered tremendous growth in the country due to the fact that the so called national parties neglected the masses," he said adding BJP should understand this.

"We joined hands with the BJP when it was considered as untouchable in Indian politics," he said and suggested the partner party to honour its sentiment and ideological commitment.

The JD(U) leader said his party only reiterated its old stand as what kind of person should occupy a responsible post like that of prime minister. "We fail to understand the way BJP is reacting to it," he said.