BJP President Amit Shah today lauded Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, a one-time loyal ally who turned a bitter foe, for his support to demonetisation, the first time that the party leadership has publicly appreciated the Janata Dal (United) chief's stand.
"I publicly commend Nitish Kumar for the support he has given to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's fight against black money and corruption," Mr Shah said at a public meeting with party the acknowledging Mr Kumar's attempts to steer clear of the opposition's attempts to close ranks against the Centre over the issue.
"He first supported demonetisation. He yesterday made it clear that JD(U) is not supporting 'Bharat bandh' call given by some parties. We also acknowledge his support to the GST bill," a party leader said.
BJP, he said, also appreciates Nitish Kumar government's efforts in getting bail of high-profile accused, with links to ally RJD, cancelled by moving to the Supreme Court.
Incidentally, Mr Shah had parried a query over Mr Kumar's support to demonetisation in a press conference the BJP chief had held immediately after Prime Minister Narendra Modi's announcement in this regard.
Asked if it is an indication of growing bonhomie with Mr Kumar, BJP sources played down such suggestions but added that there is an appreciation for his stand on a various issues and Mr Shah's public praise was an acknowledgment of this.
Amit Shah In High-Level Security Meet Reviews Deployment Strategy In J&K Greater Synergy Among Agencies Will Help To Smash Terror Networks: Amit Shah Drugs Trade Linked To Narco-Terror A Threat To National Security: Amit Shah Over 300 Indian Students Return Home As 105 Bangladeshis Die In Protests "Jindal Group Executive Showed Porn, Groped Me On Flight": Woman To NDTV Full Recovery From Global IT Outage Could Take Time: 10 Points India Hints At Roles Of Pakistan, China That Could Undermine Shanghai Bloc Deadly Viper On The Rise: Bangladesh Grapples With Snake Crisis SBI Recruitment 2024: Registration Begins For 1,040 SCO Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world.