Patna:
Politics they say makes strange bedfellows. But, considering his socialist beginnings, Nitish Kumar keeping the Left option open after the elections may not be that surprising.
"We have been with the Left for a long time since the days of the Janata Dal and we have a lot of experience with them. Both the parties are of the same opinion concerning the nuclear deal and many other issues," Nitish said in Patna on Monday.
Remembering old friends or keeping future alliances open? Aligned with the right-wing BJP his fullsome praise for the Left has got many wondering -- will he give in to the Left's invitation to join them post-elections?
Both the Left and the JD(U) accept that they are ideologically similar.
"Political parties do not take position on the basis of phone calls, but on the basis of ideological position," CPM Politburo member Sitaram Yechury said in Kolkata.
Thanks to his development work in Bihar, Nitish Kumar is expected to do well and could emerge as the kingmaker. And that's the reason why the Congress isn't ruling out anything.
"All this is post-poll alliance. The issue can be raised only after results," Congress spokesperson Veerappa Moily said.
For the record, Nitish has said that he is sticking by the BJP. After all his government would fall without its support.
"Today Nitish has said in very clear terms that he is not going with the Congress or the Left. He has said that he is al ready with a coalition and will go with that," BJP leader Yashwant Sinha said.
So the ambiguity on which side Nitish Kumar will go after the election continues. But in an exclusive interview to NDTV a few weeks ago, when asked whether he is willing to look beyond the NDA post-elections, Nitish said, "Who's seen tomorrow?"