Patna: In a major political strategy aimed at arresting the BJP’s march in Bihar and beyond, the Lalu Prasad Yadav-led RJD on Thursday indicated a partnership with its arch-rival, the ruling JD(U) of former CM Nitish Kumar, by announcing that RJD MLAs will support the JD(U) government.
The RJD’s calculated move, that signals a realignment of political equations in Bihar, with likely repercussions in other states, came a day before the Bihar government led by new CM Jitan Ram Manjhi seeks a trust vote in the Assembly.
The new situation, precipitated by the humiliating rout suffered by both the JD(U) and RJD in the Lok Sabha polls, could well be a re-emergence of what analysts called the “Mandal versus Kamandal” politics of the early 1990s.
“We (RJD) will not let the BJP fulfil its dream of pulling down the Bihar government. We are determined to strengthen secular forces both in Bihar and across India. We will provide outside support to the state government to stop the BJP,” said RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav.
“While our support is unconditional, my party will keep reviewing the government’s performance,” he added, refusing to spell out if there was a formal alliance.
Just four days ago, Mr Yadav had denied that the RJD would have any relations with the JD(U) in future.
Senior RJD leaders like Leader of the Opposition Abdul Bari Siddiqui justified the party’s move, saying it was prompted by the need to allow a Mahadalit leader to continue as Bihar’s CM.
“The RJD will defeat the plans of the BJP and RSS in Bihar and all over India,” said RJD state chief Ramchandra Purve.
Mr Manjhi welcomed the RJD move, saying: “It is a good decision and I thank them (RJD). They should support my government because they talk about the poor and Mahadalits. Nitish Kumar has set such a great example (by anointing a Mahadalit as CM) that they (RJD) should support us without any criticism.”
The JD(U) claimed it already has a “comfortable majority” in the Assembly. “Any political party has the right to take decisions they deem fit, but we have not sought any support from them,” said JD(U) state chief Vashistha Narayan Singh. The JD(U) has 117 MLAs and the unconditional support of four Congress MLAs.
