There are problems in coalition, says JD(U)

The ruling coalition in Bihar today appeared headed for a split possibly on Sunday, with JD(U) saying that "problems" and "difficulties" have arisen in the wake of Narendra Modi's elevation in BJP.
Top JD(U) leaders, including Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and party chief Sharad Yadav, are expected to meet in Patna on Sunday to take a call on the future of its alliance with BJP.
JD(U) Legislature Party Chief Whip Shravan Kumar said MLAs have been asked to be "in touch" and to be "available", though no formal meeting has been called.
The party gave clear signs yet again of an imminent split with BJP, saying there are problems and the situation is "difficult" while a senior party leader lashed out at BJP.

While JD(U) came under attack from the ally's Bihar unit, the central BJP leadership maintained that it wants the alliance in the interest of opposition unity and honouring the people's mandate.
Returning from a two-day 'seva yatra' for consultations with the JD(U) leadership tomorrow over the alliance issue, Kumar said, "The situation is such that there are problems (in continuing the alliance)."

"Dua dete hain jeene ki, dawa karte hain marne ki. Dushwari ka sabab yeh hain. (They blessing is for life but the medicine is for death). That is the crux of the problem," he told reporters in Patna.

He was replying to a question whether it is going to be the end of the 17-year alliance between JD(U) and BJP.
He said the situation is difficult and what is to be done in this difficult situation is being discussed by all.
"On the one hand, some are giving suggestions that it is such an old alliance that it should continue. On the other hand, the conditions are such that there are problems," Kumar said.