Nitish Kumar's govt today faces a trust vote in Bihar Assembly with 126 in his favour. The BJP had earlier walked out of the House.
In speech, Nitish strikes at ModiHe said that his party, the Janata Dal United or JD(U), decided there would be "no compromise on secularism" when it became clear that the BJP is priming Mr Modi to run for Prime Minister.
Nitish Kumar speaks outside the Assembly after winning the trust vote:- Whatever the leader of the Opposition said it has been answered. in politics, we have political answers
- I had to take this decision on the belief that development should be inclusive.
- What happened after we split has proved that it was the right decision
- It is our responsibility as socialists and democrats that we stick to our basic principles
- I thank Congress for supporting us but nothing further should be read into it. I also thank CPI for their support.
- They are distributing my 2003 CD, it seems a certificate from the whole party is not good enough, my certificate is needed.
- We did not think whether my government will survive or not, we proved majority in 72 hours.
- Politics is not based on profit and loss, I will have no regrets if I don't remain the Chief Minister.
Nitish Kumar wins trust vote. 126 MLAs, including those of Congress, CPI and four Independents vote in favour of Mr Kumar's government. Twenty four, including 22 of RJD and two Independents, vote against government amid walk-out by 91 BJP legislators and one LJP member.
Nitish Kumar addresses the Assembly ahead of trust vote:- The members of the Assembly of have expressed themselves. I thank them for their opinions.
- Why did such a situation arise?
- Till yesterday he was our ally, today he is Leader of the Opposition.
- He said what he had to and then left.
- When JD(U) leader was speaking, he was interrupted. That was not right. Everyone has a right to speak.
- One should speak as well as listen.
- The reason why such a situation arose is clear from the slogans they raised when the session began.
- I have always talked about Bihar's achievements.
- My friend here was criticising the steps taken by me.
- I want to ask how is praising Bihar's achievements criticising someone else?
- I had said that Bihar's development model is all encompassing. It is inclusive of every one.
- In our development, we have concentrated on infrastructure, law and order and human development.
- I said Bihar is the first state to bring 50 % reservation in some areas. This was seen as someone's criticism.
- Country's leader should be someone who can take everyone along.
- At the beginning of the session, BJP supporters were not raising slogans for Sushil Modi, they were raising slogans for someone else.
- What development model are they talking about? Do already developed cities need development or do under developed areas need a development plan? A leader should think about everyone.
- Referring to his 2003 speech: If I go as Railways Minister to a function to someone's state, shall I criticise the person? Even in that speech I said there is big blot on Gujarat.
- In 2005 and 2009, why were people not called from outside? In June 2010, I was willing to quit, the alliance was at break-point.
- On Modi ad controversy: Many people came to our aid in 2010, they did not publish advertisements in newspapers in Bihar.
- I believe in inclusive development.
- What development model? In Gujarat, a developed state, the minimum wages is Rs 100 per day; in Bihar, which is a poor state, it is Rs 162.
- They kept saying clear your stand, and when we did, they said we have betrayed them.
- To RJD: Has the BJP outsourced the task of abusing us to you? Why are you speaking their language?
- Congress and CPI said this is a secular govt; I congratulate them.
- There are two streams of development in the country - one which is inclusive, second which is imposing.
- The fundamental nature of India according to the Constitution is inclusive.
- We will never accept divisive politics in India.
- Advaniji had asked them to abide by Rajdharm, what was the difficulty?
- We had said the controversial issues like Common Civil Code, Ayodhya or Section 370 should not be raked.
- We cannot sit back, we had asked the leadership issue to be decided.
- We should not use harsh words, both sides should avoid this. They started it but we should not retaliate.
- We will respond to it politically.
- We could not just sit and watch when the alliance was moving away from its founding agenda.
- I did not want to say harsh words as we had an alliance for 17 years but they were the ones who started.
- If they had let things in Bihar run as they were and continued with Atalji's path at the Centre we would not have left.
- After coming back from Seva Yatra I spoke to my party people and decided to speak to BJP leaders to decide on a roadmap for split. BJP leaders did not come for the meeting nor did they come for Cabinet meeting.
- BJP leaders raised a lot of questions on a Cabinet meeting being held at Chief Minister's residence on a Sunday.
- But it was not the first time that was being done.
- The Chief Minister's residence is not his personal house. It is his official residence.
- Today Bihar's development is talked about in other countries and our friends should have been proud of that but that was not to be.
- It is easy to accuse people.
- Ask Nand Kishore ji what kind of bandh he called for? He kept his own shop open and closed the rest.
- The bandh was almost a flop had that one incident of clash not happened.
- Ayaa toh sauda baar baar amir ka, magar ho na saka sauada zameer ka. (Message to the rich, we could not sell our conscience)
- The BJP now talks of an OBC leader, but just because you talk of being one it doesn't mean he is a leader of people classes.
- They have started caste politics again, the same thing that the RJD would do.
- Idea of India is inclusive not divisive. To form a government you need 272 MPs. It is an era of coalition politics, have no illusions.
- I would have been happy if the BJP had come for the meeting and told us how to part ways.
- I bring the proposal of trust vote to the House.
"The JD(U) has broken the alliance for politics of power and convenience. They don't want Modi to succeed. They are not happy that someone from a ordinary background going ahead of them.," says BJP's Nand Kishore Yadav.
Nitish Kumar is set to win the trust vote. The BJP had said it would vote against him, but has decided to walk out of the House.
Chief Minister Nitish Kumar listens to the debate in Bihar Assembly ahead of the trust vote
Nitish wrong in saying he got votes based on his personality. The people actually voted for the BJP-JD(U) alliance: BJP says in Bihar Assembly.
Debate begins in Bihar Assembly ahead of trust vote.
JUST IN:
Congress decides to vote in favour of Nitish Kumar.
Sushil Kumar Modi: No one is an enemy in politics - This is a betrayal of the mandate of the people of Bihar
- We did not object to Nitish Kumar cancelling dinner when Narendra Modi came to Bihar in the larger interests of the state
- We did not want to let Lalu Yadav come back in Bihar; so we decided to continue with the alliance at any cost
- We have no information on Advaniji speaking to Rajnath Singh; I can't comment on source based news
- If we had the same ideology, what is the need for an alliance?
- Alliances are based on a common minimum program... we kept controversial issues like Ramjanmabhoomi separate.
- Nobody is enemy in politics. I have worked with Lalu Yadav, I've also worked with Nitish Kumar.
- Who forms the govt will get clear in the near future, but we won't let Lalu come back to power.
BJP's Venkaiah Naidu in Chennai
People are looking for change. It is sad that one of our allies have left, for reasons best known to them. But I am sure after elections there will be rearrangement of political parties.
Our friends in the JD(U) are talking about speeches in Goa. What is wrong about the speeches?
Every political party has the right to choose its campaign head.
It's our right to decide on who should preside over us. Every party has a right to decide its campaign committee.
The JD(U)'s reason for walking out of the NDA is not satisfactory, there is more to it than meets the eye.
A federal front is no alternative; it has no national face.
BJP's Ravi Shankar PrasadJD(U) has insulted the mandate of the people of Bihar. There can't be arrogance in an alliance.
When the time has come to remove congress from power the JD(U) has withdrawn.
The JD(U) has no future in the Lok Sabha polls. Nor does a Third Front.
BJP president Rajnath Singh: "Hum dhoka kha sakte hain par dhoka de nahin sakte" BJP president Rajnath Singh addressing BJP youth wing at the Talkatora stadium in Delhi... says he's pained by the JD(U) breaking its alliance - We never betray people even though they may betray us
- They broke the alliance and I feel that is unfortunate
- There can be no vetoes in an alliance
- When we had 67 MLAs and JDU had 34 in 2000, we accepted Nitish Kumar should be the Chief Minister.
- What crime has the BJP committed that the alliance, an emotional bond which lasted 17 years should be shredded to bits?
- What is my crime? Just this that for electoral success I as party president named Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi as the elction campaign committee
- In 2002, the riots were unfortunate but is Narendra Modi responsible for it - riots have not occurred only in the BJP regime... why brand us communal?
- BJP does nor believe in politics based on caste or religion, we have a nationalist ideology.
- Now the time has come to remove the Congress from power, we don't want to live up to the expectations of the people
- Those who do not pay heed to popular sentiment can't survive in the long run.
- BJP wants to take all non-Congress parties together and work for India's development.
Let alliances break, Modi stays, snaps BJPSoon after the JD-U snapped ties with the NDA, the BJP Sunday said it will not go back on the decision to make Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi its election campaign chief.
"The BJP takes its internal decisions itself. When the issue is about NDA (National Democratic Alliance), we discuss it with NDA," Bharatiya Janata Party vice president Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said here.
"Whatever decision has been taken on Narendra Modi, we will not go back at any cost, whether the NDA alliance breaks once or 10 times," he said.
Sushil Kumar Modi: BJP not in favour of seeking a fresh mandate in Bihar- We have never interfered with the internal matters of any other party nor will we let anyone interfere with ours.
- We appeal to people of Bihar to support our bandh call against the betrayal of the people's mandate.
- We will focus our energies on the Lok Sabha polls, we are not in favour of fresh elections in the state.
- We will not try to form a government in Bihar. We have 91 MLAs.
BJP calls for a Bihar Bandh on June 18- In the last 17 years, BJP has always tried to keep the alliance together. In the last 7 years in Bihar we have tried to run the alliance without any problems.
- BJP calls for a Bihar Bandh on June 18 against this betrayal and appeals to the people of Bihar to see how their mandate has been betrayed
- The people will respond during the Lok Sabha polls, whenever they are.
- Those who are being called 'communal' today will become 'secular' in 2014. Whenever its convenient, we are secular and whenever inconvenient we are communal... that can't be.
- People are scared that a person from a backward caste, a tea stall owner's son can become the PM
- If there are problems that concern Bihar, we can deal with it. We declined to meet the CM because there was no case of discussing decisions taken by the national leadership of the BJP with him.
- Why was the Cabinet meeting called on a Sunday? What was the urgency?
Sushil Kumar Modi- This will go down as a black day in Bihar's political history
- The 2010 electoral win was not the BJP or JDU's win - it was a victory for the coalition.
- We had told them that when we decide on a name for the PM, we will take them into confidence?
- Nitish on moral grounds should have resigned, since he became the CM as he was elected as the NDA parliamentary head in Bihar.
- He could have resigned, been elected the JD(U)'s leader and staked claim.
- Our behaviour has been exemplary as an alliance partner, and we have had a very important role in all vital decisions.
BJP's Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi:
We will not compromise on Narendra Modi even if 10 alliances break.
JD(U) resolution on walking out of the National Democratic Alliance - A rapid rise in the growing hegemonic control of a leadership that does not represent the characteristics which we had emphasised for the continuation of our alliance.
- The increased dominance of this leadership in the party with the intentions of thrusting its decisions on its alliance partner.
- The growing intolerance to any voice of dissent and moderation in the BJP's decision making process.
- The Goa announcement of the Chairmanship of the electoral campaign committee of the BJP has filled us with deep apprehensions of the future.
- It has left not a shadow of doubt that this is a mere ceremonial prelude to his nomination as the prime ministerial candidate.
- These developments do not augur well for the health of our secular and democratic polity.
- In the aforesaid circumstances it would be a betrayal of faith , confidence and trust reposed in our party by the people of Bihar, if we continue any further.
- We cannot compromise on our basic principles , values and our stand on core issues which are central to the ethos of our party.
Through out the press conference, Nitish Kumar doesn't name Narendra Modi, tells reporters:
Samjhnewale Samajh gaye hain, Na Samjhe woh Anari hain
Nitish Kumar on why the JD(U) fell out with the BJP- There have been election campaign committee heads of the BJP earlier too - be it Pramod Mahajan or Arun Jaitley. But no one has ever been anointed like this.
- This is not a technical point, it is a political point. What is the perception that has been created?
- The mandate we got was for the development of Bihar. It was given to the BJP in Bihar with the JDU - till they were in Bihar we did not have any trouble.
- Now there has been a situation at the national level which has made our continuing in the alliance impossible
- Everyone knew what our basic concerns were - if you want to form the government, you should indulge in politics that attract allies.
- No single party is going to get majority in Lok Sabha polls.To become the PM you need 272 MPs.
- NDA needed to be expanded and steps should have been taken to create a consensus.
- We have decided not to compromise with our principles, I don't care what the outcome of this decision is.
Nitish Kumar: We can't compromise on basic principles- The fundamental principle of alliance has not been kept, so the JD(U) has had to take a political decision.
- In Bihar, the govt was running smoothly, but the situation was such that highlighting our achievements in Bihar was taken as statements against others.
- We can't for the sake of govt compromise in our principles.
- Whenever there has been an interference from outside, we have had problems in Bihar.
- Yesterday, I called them to talk things out - even if they did not want to continue with us, I thought it would be better to talk things out with them and have an amicable split.
- There were reports in the newspaper that their ministers were not working, that was not OK. We called a Cabinet meeting today and they did not even attend that.
- To not resign and yet not work, that's a strange situation
- So we have decided to go ahead with a vote of confidence on June 19.
- I have recommended 11 ministers be dropped from the Cabinet
JD(U) president Sharad Yadav: Nitish & I tried our best to keep alliance intact- We were in the NDA for 17 years and we had a national agenda that was formed with Atalji and Advaniji.
- We have tried to stick to the framework of the NDA but for the past 6-7 month situation has change.
- We have had good coordination in Bihar too for the past 7 years.
- When Goa conclave happened, we said that people must stick to the agenda of the NDA.
- Till the national agenda was decided upon, we did not join the NDA - remember when there was a BJP-led government for 13 days, we were not there.
- Speeches and agenda after BJP's Goa meet disturbing.
- There have been comments like "Ram Mandir is on our agenda". This worries many people, creates fear. We cautioned against this.
- Any alliance runs by friendship and trust - we, Nitish and I, tried our best to run the alliance.But now it is a matter of principle and to trust them has become difficult.
- Who they make their leader is not the problem...it's the discourse recently that has been worrying.
- I have resigned as NDA convenor, the JDU has come out of the NDA.
Nitish Kumar to make formal announcement on break-up shortly. Watch this space for LIVE updates.
Nitish Kumar walks out after meeting the Governor, says he will seek a vote of confidence on June 19.
JUST IN
One-day special session of Bihar Assembly scheduled for June 19
Here are the latest developments in the story:
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar met this afternoon with Governor DY Patil to inform that his party is no longer allied with the BJP.
He reportedly also asked the Governor for a chance to prove his majority in a special Assembly session.
To prove his majority in the state assembly, Mr Kumar needs 122 votes. The JDU has 118 state legislators.
Earlier, the chief minister met senior leaders from his party, the JDU, and finalized a resolution to explain why the party is ending the 17-year-partnership with the BJP.
The resolution is expected to target Narendra Modi, the Chief Minister of Gujarat, without naming him. Mr Kumar wants this resolution to serve as a credible compendium for his decision, one that will appeal to voters.
"Our relationship with the BJP has ended. Now there is no hope for anything more," JD(U) General Secretary KC Tyagi said earlier today.
The 11 BJP ministers in the Bihar cabinet skipped an emergency meet called by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar this morning. The BJP ministers say they will submit their resignations as soon as the JD(U) formally announces the alliance has ended.
The BJP's decision to place Narendra Modi in charge of its election campaign has precipitated the crisis. The JD(U) says he "lacks secular credentials."
JD(U) president Sharad Yadav is expected to quit as Convenor of the National Democratic Alliance or NDA. The BJP anchors the national coalition of nine parties; the JDU is its biggest partner.
The BJP in Bihar says that the state voted for the alliance, not the JDU alone, and Mr Kumar is, therefore, obliged to resign as chief minister and face an election.
Over and Done. Nitish Kumar tells Governor alliance with BJP has ended Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has met with the Bihar Governor DY Patil now to inform him that his party is no longer partnering with the BJP. The Chief Minister, sources say, has sought the opportunity to prove his majority in the legislature.
Nitish Kumar's JD(U) has 118 members in trhe 243 member house. He needs support from 4 other MLAs.
Bihar cabinet meet this morning; BJP ministers absent Over and Done. No alliance with BJP, Nitish tells Governor
Nitish Kumar seeks special session of Assembly to prove majority.
JD(U) General Secretary KC Tyagi: Nitish Kumar won't resign.
"Our relations with the BJP has ended. Now there is no hope for anything more," Mr Tyagi told the media in Patna. He made it clear that Chief Minister Nitish Kumar will not resign but will stake claim to form a government of his own.
Nitish Kumar to meet Bihar Governor
At his meeting with Governor DY Patil, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is likely to inform him about the breakdown of the alliance with the BJP.
The Chief Minister may also want to prove his majority on the floor of the house, something that sources say was discussed at this morning's Cabinet meet too.
JUST IN
BIhar chief minister Nitish Kumar to meet Governor at 2 pm today
Meanwhile, BJP chief Rajnath Singh has called for a meeting in Delhi of BJP's central leaders from Bihar.
Bihar BJP Minster Skip Cabinet
JD(U) leaders to meet at 12:30pm today; expected to pass a resolution on NDA breakup, say sources.
Senior BJP Leader CP Thakur: All BJP ministers will resign today. Resignations will be submitted to Sushil Kumar Modi. Mr Modi will hand them over to Nitish Kumar.
JDU's Devesh Chandra ThakurSamay toh beeth chuka hai,ab toh elaan sirf baaki hai
Meeting of Bihar BJP ministers begins at Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi's residence
Bihar BJP chief Mangal Pandey
The atmosphere created by the JD(U) ministers there is no need to go.
What is the point (of a cabinet meet) until Nitish Kumar clarifies on alliance?
The people of Bihar have not voted for JDU but have voted for the alliance. The JDU will have to answer the people.
Sushil Kumar Modi reaches his official residence... BJP ministers are meeting there to formally agree to skip Nitish Kumar's cabinet meet at 11:30 am.
Rameshwar Chaurasia, BJP MLAToday Narendra Modi's popularity, his image as a popular leader, strong administrator and all round development - the people of this country are in awe of him. We have not even projected Narendra Modi as a Prime Ministerial candidate; there is no truth to them splitting because of Modi. Suvida, swarth - that is why they want to split.
They have never favored anything about BJP. In 2000, BJP has 67 seats and they had 34 still we went ahead and made Nitish Kumar the Chief Minister. All past experiences show they have always been selfish. Today they have majority that is why they want to split from NDA, Modi is not a reason for them to move out
If they resign what option will BJP be left with? Until they resign there is no point of BJP ministers resigning.
BJP decides to skip Nitish’s cabinet meet; his party to announce big split todayBJP ministers in the Bihar government will meet their party leader and Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi at 10 this morning to formally decide whether they will attend a Cabinet meeting that has been called by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. Mr Kumar's party, the Janata Dal United or JDU, is likely to end its 17-year-old alliance with the BJP today.
Here are the 10 latest developments in this story:
- Sources say the JDU wants to see whether the BJP ministers, who have reportedly handed over their resignations to Sushil Kumar Modi, will attend the meet.
- Yesterday, Sushil Kumar Modi had turned down an invitation to meet with Mr Kumar.
- After the cabinet meeting today, top leaders of the JDU will meet at 12:30 pm to take a final decision on its alliance with the BJP. Sources say the announcement of the split is likely to be made after this meeting.
- At the meeting, the JDU is expected to pass a resolution that will spell out why the party wants to breaking away from the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance or NDA.
- Sources say JDU chief Sharad Yadav will step down as convenor of the NDA if the JDU decides to exit from the alliance.
- The JDU is unhappy with the recently announced elevation of Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi, who has been chosen to head the BJP's campaign for the national election, due by May. "The inevitability of Narendra Modi's ascent in the BJP is something we can't reconcile to," the party's Shivanand Tiwari told NDTV yesterday.
- The JDU says Mr Modi's big promotion proves the BJP is determined to make him its prime ministerial candidate, which it has decreed unacceptable.
- The party alleges that Mr Modi did not do enough to stop hundreds of Muslims from being killed in Gujarat's communal riots of 2002, and must therefore be ruled out as the prime ministerial candidate of the NDA.
- The BJP in Bihar says that the state voted for the alliance, not the JDU alone, and Mr Kumar is, therefore, obliged to resign as chief minister and face an election.
- To prove his majority in the state assembly, Mr Kumar needs 122 votes. The JDU has 118 state legislators.
Bihar BJP ministers to meet Deputy CM Sushil Kumar Modi at 10 am to decide on whether to attend Nitish's cabinet meetSources say, BJP ministers may not attend the cabinet meeting called by Nitish Kumar at 11:30 am today. They were informed at midnight about the meeting, and most reportedly feel there is no point in attending a cabinet meeting whose agenda is only political.
BJP-JD(U): Divorce decided, annulment tomorrow?Is it time for the final scene of the final act in the drama that has governed the NDA and its politics especially over the last week? From all accounts a divorce of the BJP and the Janata Dal (United) is all but decided, and to be announced tomorrow. As the central BJP leadership tried to cajole an adamant Nitish Kumar against parting ways, state BJP leaders in Bihar took matters into their own hands and refused to accept an invitation by the chief minister to meet him. Nitish is reportedly furious at the snub. The question now is whether both the BJP and the JD(U) will survive this gamble come the next election. Will going it alone strengthen either party's hand or will it further weaken the only real opposition front, the NDA?
- JD(U) meeting scheduled at 12.30 pm tomorrow at Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's residence
- Meeting will be attended by JD(U) minister and members of the party's national executive
- Meeting will be followed by a press conference at 3 pm
JD(U) sources have told NDTV that the final announcement on the BJP-JD(U) alliance will be made tomorrow.
JDU chief Sharad Pawar is likely to arrive in Patna from Delhi later in the evening. An announcement is likely after he meets Nitish Kumar.
Shivanand Tiwari, JDU's national spokesperson tells NDTV: The ending of the alliance is a mere formality. The contours and formalities have to be decided. We have already authorised Sharad Yadav to make a decision after consulting Nitish Kumar.
You will hear an announcement today or tomorrow. No question of the alliance continuing.
We have no issues with the Bihar BJP. They are our friends. But the inevitability of Narendra Modi's ascent in the BJP is something we can't reconcile to
We will see what happens in the future later. At the moment, our minds are made up about this.
Bihar BJP skips meeting with Nitish Kumar, his side says it's overWith an end to the 17-year-old alliance looking imminent, BJP leaders in Bihar have refused to meet Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. Mr Kumar had called up Sushil Modi, who is also the Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar, and other senior BJP leaders from the state, for a meeting.
JUST IN
Sources say a final decision on the alliance is likely tomorrow evening, a formal announcement may be made on Sunday.
JDU's Shivanand Tiwari- In 2004, Nitish Kumar cancelled the dinner invitation just because of the Modi. What is our opinion on Modi is has been specified.
- We say that it is the BJP which is behind the alliance break up
Bihar BJP chief Mangal Pandey - JD(U) is trying to get in touch with MLAs of BJP, other parties, this is dangerous for democracy
- Permission is being denied for a venue for BJP president Rajnath Singh's rally on June 23
- I have asked all BJP ministers to be in Patna till June 17
- I am requesting the JD(U) time and again to let us know what has happened that they are hell bent on breaking the alliance.
- Just a few days ago the JD(U) was saying that what the BJP does within its party or organisation is no one else's business
- We are waiting for a formal announcement from the JD(U) about what they want from the coalition
In verse, Nitish appears to offer obituary of BJP alliance Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar returned to Patna this afternoon from a tour and virtually announced that his alliance with the BJP is over.
"It is time to take a decision... conditions are tough now," he said.
His Janata Dal (United) will meet over the weekend in the state capital; the conclave is likely to ratify the Chief Minister's decision to ditch a partner of 18 years.
Nitish Kumar on JDU's alliance with BJP- People are talking all around
- Some say it (the alliance) has lasted many years
- Circumstances are difficult, we will have to take a decision
- Dua dete hain jeene ki, dawa karte hain marne ki
As Nitish Kumar returns to Patna, BJP calls meet on the likely splitThe momentum of the efforts by Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and the BJP to prep for their big split this weekend is picking up. On record, the BJP and Mr Kumar's Janata Dal United (JDU) say the alliance has not yet collapsed; privately, both parties admit they are working on exit formalities. (
Watch)
The JDU meets in Patna on the weekend; the conclave is expected to announce that it is ending the 18-year partnership.
Mr Kumar returns to Patna from a tour this afternoon; BJP leaders will attend a meet called by their leader and Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi.
Ministers from the BJP say that in anticipation of the split, they have stopped reporting to work.
We have not given any ultimatum, it is a matter of principle for us: Sharad Yadav- In many places there were by-polls and the situation as it existed earlier are not there today.
- At our meeting on Sunday, we will talk on all issues, including those like corruption
- Do not think the alliance is over; we have not given any ultimatum
- The alliance was formed on principles established by Atal-Advani and it has lasted 17 years
- It is a discussion between JDU and BJP; it is a matter of principle for us
With Nitish Kumar exploring options, Bihar BJP calls emergency meetThe Chief Minister confirmed today that Mr Singh and LK Advani of the BJP have both phoned him; sources say he did not reassure them that he will rethink his decision to end an alliance that has lasted 18 years.
The crisis has been precipitated by the BJP choosing Gujarat Chief Minister
Narendra Modi to head its campaign. Mr Kumar and his party, the Janata Dal (United) or JDU, allege that Mr Modi didn't do enough to protect the hundreds of Muslims who were killed in the riots that ravaged Gujarat in 2002.
In Delhi, JD(U) President Sharad Yadav said that the alliance hasn't fallen apart yet, and that a final call will be taken by a meeting of his party this weekend in Patna.
Bihar BJP leaders meet in Patna
Senior leaders of BJP's Bihar unit met in Patna this evening amid intense speculation that the Nitish Kumar-led Janata Dal (United) is ready to pull the plug on the nearly two-decade-long alliance.
The meeting, which lasted for an hour, reportedly discussed the fragile political situation in the state.
With the rift between the two NDA allies widening, BJP leaders Nitin Gadkari and Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi today met JD(U) President Sharad Yadav.
"NDA exists right now and we are taking efforts that how the situation can be rectified," Mr Yadav, who is the convener of NDA, told reporters after the meeting.
The meeting at Mr Yadav's residence took place a day after BJP patriarch LK Advani had called him as well as Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, asking them to keep the alliance intact.
Sharad Yadav on BJP-JDU alliance - There is a meeting of the JDU scheduled and before that I will not like to comment
- KC Tyagi spoke to me before meeting Mamata Banerjee; she suggested a 'federal front'
- NDA is in existence; we are trying to fix the situation
Former BJP president Nitin Gadkari is expected to meet Sharad Yadav at 12:30 pm today.
Mr Yadav is the president of the Janata Dal (United) and the convener of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA).
10 signs that Nitish Kumar is determined to ditch BJP With his alliance with the BJP flat-lining, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has received phone calls from senior BJP leaders like LK Advani and Rajnath Singh, requesting him to remain a part of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). But Mr Kumar and his party, the Janata Dal United or JD(U), are upset with the growing influence and stature within the BJP of Narendra Modi, the Gujarat Chief Minister.
Nitish Kumar ready to pull the plug on BJP alliance: sourcesThe Chief Minister of Bihar, Nitish Kumar, is prepping plans to end his alliance with the BJP, said sources. Mr Kumar has ordered legislators from his party, the Janata Dal United or JDU not to leave the state capital of Patna so that they can be consulted about ending the partnership that has won two consecutive elections in Bihar.
Senior members of the JDU have resumed attacks on BJP leader Narendra Modi, whose growing hold over the BJP has antagonized the Bihar Chief Minister.
"They have given the leadership in the hands of a tainted person....they want to continue with their fundamentalist politics. JDU will not tolerate this," said Narendra Singh, a senior minister from the JDU, referring to Gujarat's communal riots 11 years ago in which hundreds of Muslims were killed during Mr Modi's first term as Gujarat Chief Minister.
RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat spoke to LK Advani, brokered truceLK Advani will stay. In all three BJP posts that he had quit yesterday. Among the many requests that the party stalwart received to reconsider his decision, was a phone call from Mohan Bhagwat, the head of the BJP's powerful ideological mentor, the Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh or RSS.
BJP released this statement on Advani's decision to withdraw his resignation:The BJP Parliamentary Board yesterday decided not to accept Shri L.K. Advani's resignation from the three main fora of the Party - the National Executive, Parliamentary Board and Election Committee and requested him to continue to be a member of these three Bodies.
On behalf of the Party Shri Rajnath Singh assured Shri Advani that his concerns about the functioning of the Party would be properly addressed and the President will discuss the modalities of addressing these concerns with Shri Advani.
Today afternoon, RSS Sarsanghchalak, Shri Mohan Bhagwat spoke to Shri Advani and asked him to respect the BJP Parliamentary Board decision and continue to guide the Party in national interest. Shri Advani has decided to accept Shri Bhagwat's advice.
BJP vice-President Mukkhtar Abbas Naqvi tweeted:
Narendra Modi tweeted this soon after Rajnath Singh concluded his address:
Rajnath Singh:
- Advaniji had resigned but the parliamentary board had unanimously rejected his resignation.
- We all met Advaniji and requested that we need his guidance. He accepted our request.
- He also spoke to RSS chief. He has decided he will accept the party's decision
- As the president of the party, I will myself meet Advaniji and address any concerns he has about the running of the party
- I requested Advaniji not to be here at the press conference as it would have been against common etiquette
- RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat asked Advani to respect party's decision. Advaniji accepted his advice.
Rajnath Singh, Sushma Swaraj, Uma Bharti, and Nitin Gadkari at LK Advani's residence to address the media.
Rajnath Singh has reached Advani's residence and they will address the media in a short while.
Rajnath Singh, LK Advani expected to address a joint press conference soonParty sources say the contours of the compromise will not include any change in the VVIP status announced for
Narendra Modi, who was chosen to lead the BJP's election campaign despite Mr Advani's ardent objections.
Advani will reportedly be assured that Modi's new position will not be followed by his selection as the party's prime ministerial candidate.
RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat spoke to Mr Advani, said sources. Advani was reportedly persuaded to "accept the wishes of the parliamentary board".
Uma Bharti is hopeful that the crisis that has gripped her party will be resolved soon. Speaking to reporters after meeting LK Advani at his residence, she said:
- He (LK Advani) will never be away from us
- Narendra Modi is like a son to LK Advani
- He (LK Advani) loves him a lot
BJP spokesperson Prakash Javadekar is confident that the crisis within the party over LK Advani's resignation will be resolved soon:
He also said:
- All leaders are in touch with Advaniji
- We're sure the issues will be resolved soon
- RSS has not issued in any directive
- It has only expressed that this incident is unfortunate
- We are hopeful it will be soon resolved and party will emerge stronger
Speaking to NDTV a short while ago, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik said:
- It (Advani issue) is an internal matter of the BJP
- Narendra Modi has certain drawbacks at national level
- Riots (of 2002) in Gujarat unacceptable
Jaswant Singh, Uma Bharti and Nitin Gadkari are meeting LK Advani at his residence.
Why LK Advani is upset with the RSSBJP president Rajnath Singh has insisted that the RSS, which is his party's ideological parent, has played no role in Narendra Modi being hastily promoted in Goa over the weekend despite the absence of party senior LK Advani.