Amid speculations of turbulence within the Bihar Mahagathbandhan and the INDIA bloc, the Janata Dal (United) (JD(U)) sought to allay concerns while admitting that the BJP appeared more prepared for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. The party emphasized the need for unity and suggested that the Congress’s Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra event in Purnea, where Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is scheduled to share the stage with Rahul Gandhi and Lalu Prasad, should have been organized under the banner of the Opposition alliance.
JD(U) national spokesperson K C Tyagi dismissed rift rumors, stating that the primary focus was on the Karpoori Thakur centenary celebrations. He suggested that holding joint INDIA bloc meetings at various levels would send a stronger message of unity. Responding to questions about BJP’s readiness, Tyagi remarked that while the BJP seemed prepared, they must recognize that the Ayodhya Ram Temple consecration wave transcends party boundaries.
Addressing Nitish Kumar’s visit to the Raj Bhavan, Tyagi clarified that it was related to pending appointments of vice-chancellors in state universities, not indicative of internal discord. RJD sources echoed confidence in the Mahagathbandhan’s integrity, asserting ongoing seat-sharing talks and downplaying concerns about simultaneous polls.
In response to queries about the RJD facing pressure from the CM on simultaneous polls, an RJD functionary stated that although Nitish Kumar expressed the desire, the party did not favor it, downplaying its significance.
