New Delhi:
The 17-year-old alliance between Nitish Kumar's Janata Dal (United) and the BJP is over. At a press conference, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar was not reticent about the cause of the split. He did not name the BJP's Narendra Modi, but said, "To be named Prime Minister, you need more than 270 votes," a clear jab at the Gujarat Chief Minister, a deeply polarizing politician.
Following are the reactions to the JD(U)-BJP split:
Lalu Prasad Yadav, RJD President
Their love marriage was a mismatch and they have taken the advantage of an opportunist.
Rajnath Singh, BJP President
All non-Congress parties should have a resolution of wiping away Congress from all states but sadly our alliance with JD(U) in Bihar has broken... Our alliance was not only political but emotional as well. I am saddened by it... BJP can be cheated but it can never cheat.
Sushma Swaraj, senior BJP leaderThe break-up of NDA is sad and unfortunate.
Sushil Modi, BJP leaderJD(U) has broken a 17-year-old alliance. This day will be a black-lettered day... JD(U) has not broken our trust, it has broken people's trust and people will give a fitting reply to this in the elections.
Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi, BJP leader There will no compromise on Narendra Modi, even if an alliance has to be broken once or 10 times.
Sanjay Raut, Shiv Sena leaderEverybody will be at a loss, It was an alliance also for the JD(U).
Shakeel Ahmad, Congress General Secretary
Congratulate Nitish Kumarji to have come out of an alliance that wasn't working in the interest of the country.
Sultan Ahmad, Trinamool Congress leader
I won't say that it is a split. It will strengthen federal front in future. It is being discussed from past seven days. Somebody is leading from some regions.