Patna:
As Nitish Kumar's party unclasps itself from the alliance with the BJP, it's likely to dispel any notion of a "happy divorce," a phrase both parties have been using in private talks. (
Track live updates)
The Janata Dal United or JD(U), is met today to adopt a resolution that ends the 17-year-old partnership. Sources say the resolution will offer stark criticism of BJP leader
Narendra Modi and his party's decision to make him the chief of its campaign for the national election, without naming him.
The JD(U), like Mr Modi's other detractors, says he did not act strong or soon enough to protect the hundreds of Muslims who died in Gujarat's riots in 2002. Mr Modi was serving his first term as chief minister then. He won a fourth in December, prompting his party to reward him by appointing him the chairman of its campaign committee.
The BJP has refused to reconsider that decision, despite the tension it stoked within and outside the party. Senior BJP leader LK Advani resigned from all party posts for 24 hours before being coaxed to change his mind. The JD(U) has said the BJP has impelled it to end their alliance.