Nitish's U-turn proves the adage: In politics there are no

Image
Press Trust of India New Delhi
Last Updated : Jul 27 2017 | 8:13 PM IST
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar had parted ways with the BJP in 2013, citing the looming "hegemonic" presence of a leader in the saffron party.
Kumar did not take any names, but it was clear that the leader in question was none other than Narendra Modi, the BJP's campaign committee chief for the 2014 polls, who went on to become the prime minister.
But then, there are no permanent friends and enemies in politics.
Here is a look at Kumar's previous statements, made after he quit the NDA alliance, which proves the adage:
2013 (after breaking 17-year-long alliance with the BJP): We cannot compromise with our basic principles. We are not worried about the consequences. But we had no alternative now. We are not responsible. We were forced to take this decision.
2015: The BJP is a political outfit of the RSS and Swayamsevaks and pracharaks are part of this government. The RSS view is final. Whatever the BJP might say, it has no meaning. Like anything is decided by the Constitutional bench of the Supreme Court, it is final and there is nothing after that.
2015: He (Modi) raised question over my DNA. He called Lalu Prasad a 'shaitan' and me an 'ahankari'. Does speaking in such a language behove a person sitting on the responsible post of a PM?
2016: Sangh-mukt Bharat banane ke liye sabhi gair BJP parties ko ek hona hoga (to usher in a Sangh-free India all non-BJP parties have to come together).
Yesterday, Kumar embraced the BJP once again, responding to the voice of his "conscience". He went on to thank Modi from the "core of my heart" for praising his decision of quitting.
"Whatever decision we have taken will be in the interest of Bihar and of its people. It will ensure development and justice. It will also ensure progress. This is a collective decision.
"I favoured opposition unity...But what kind of opposition unity was going to be there...There was no discourse, no agenda. Having a reactive agenda will not do," he said.

Disclaimer: No Business Standard Journalist was involved in creation of this content

*Subscribe to Business Standard digital and get complimentary access to The New York Times

Smart Quarterly

₹900

3 Months

₹300/Month

SAVE 25%

Smart Essential

₹2,700

1 Year

₹225/Month

SAVE 46%
*Complimentary New York Times access for the 2nd year will be given after 12 months

Super Saver

₹3,900

2 Years

₹162/Month

Subscribe

Renews automatically, cancel anytime

Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans

Exclusive premium stories online

  • Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors

Complimentary Access to The New York Times

  • News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic

Business Standard Epaper

  • Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share

Curated Newsletters

  • Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox

Market Analysis & Investment Insights

  • In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor

Archives

  • Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997

Ad-free Reading

  • Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements

Seamless Access Across All Devices

  • Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app

More From This Section

First Published: Jul 27 2017 | 8:13 PM IST

Next Story