Patna:
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar confirmed today that his alliance with the BJP is over. On Wednesday, his majority will be tested in the state legislature, where his party, the Janata Dal (United) or JD(U), is four votes short of a majority. Mr Kumar has said the BJP's 11 ministers must be dismissed; they have so far not resigned.
At a press conference, the chief minister displayed the skill he has finessed in recent months of targeting the BJP's Narendra Modi without naming him. "To be named Prime Minister, you need 272 votes," he said in a clear jab at the Gujarat Chief Minister, described by critics as a polarizing politician, unacceptable to parties that have substantial Muslim support. (
Read highlights of Nitish Kumar's press conference)
Mr Modi hopes to run for prime minister, but is accused by detractors including the JD(U) of not acting soon or strongly enough to stop the killing of hundreds of Muslims in the Gujarat riots of 2002. By recently choosing him to lead its election campaign, the BJP has signalled that he is the front runner for its prime ministerial nomination, the JD(U) has alleged.
Sharad Yadav, who is president of the JD(U), said, "It is not who the BJP selects as their leader that is our problem. But recent speeches have indicated an agenda we cannot subscribe to." Mr Yadav said he has resigned as Convenor of the National Democratic Alliance or NDA, the coalition of seven parties including the JDU which is fronted by the BJP. (
Read: who said what on JD(U)-BJP split)
"There is no going back on Modi, whether an alliance breaks or not," BJP vice-President Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi retaliated in Delhi, making it clear that the differences are irreconcilable. (
Read: Let alliances break, Modi stays, snaps BJP)
But sources say that there is disquietude within the JD(U) over the decision to end the collaboration with the BJP which is popular with upper caste voters.