JD(U) signals break-up of 17-year alliance with BJP

The breakdown of the 17-year-old alliance between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Janata Dal (United) seemed imminent today, with leaders of both parties dropping hints that it was game over.

“The situation is such that there are problems (in continuing the alliance). On one hand, some are calling for the alliance to continue given that it is such an old one. On the other, conditions are such that there are problems. We will let you know after discussions within the party,” Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar told reporters with a smile.

He then recited an Urdu couplet, describing the condition of the alliance. “Woh dua karte hain jeene ki aur dawa dete hain marne ki, sari dushwarion ka sabab hai yehi” (You wish me a long life, but offer medicines for death. This is the crux of the problem).”

After showing a lot of restraint, the Bihar unit of the BJP today took potshots at the JD(U), hinting the alliance was on the verge of collapse. The saffron party accused its collation partner of trying to steal its Members of Legislative Assembly (MLAs).

“Our MLAs are getting phone calls from JD(U) leaders, who are seeking their support for a trust vote. One of our MLAs is even being offered a post in the cabinet,” state party president Mangal Pandey alleged. He also claimed the BJP had been denied permission for a venue to hold a rally during the visit next week of its national president, Rajnath Singh.

All  BJP ministers skipped work today as well. According to government sources, Deputy Chief Minister and BJP leader Sushil Kumar Modi returned all work-related files to his finance department. Many other BJP ministers did the same.

The JD(U) is expected to make the break official by announcing it at the weekend. Sources have told Business Standard that most of the JD(U)’s MLAs and Members of Parliament have arrived in the state capital. JD (U) President Sharad Yadav is expected to arrive late tonight or early tomorrow morning.

The BJP has called a meeting of its own MLAs on Monday to reportedly discuss its role as the major opposition party in the state assembly.

The ties between the JD (U) and the BJP reached an all-time low since Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi was made the BJP’s poll campaign chief, giving rise to speculation that he might be the BJP's prime ministerial candidate in the 2014 general elections.