JD(U) ends 17-year-old Alliance with BJP

The ‘divorce’ is official now! Nitish Kumar’s JD(U) has ended its 17-year-old ties with the BJP in Bihar and spit the NDA at the national level. JD(U) passed a resolution, using strong and harsh words against Narendra Modi and holding him responsible for the break-up.

Earlier in the day, Nitish Kumar held a Cabinet meeting, which was skipped by 11 BJP Ministers in the state. After getting the nod, he met Governor DY Patil to intimate him about the split in the alliance. Nitish also handed over the list of MLAs who are supporting him to head the government. The Bihar CM has called a Special Session of the Assembly on June 19 to prove his majority.

Later, at 3:10 PM, Sharad Yadav and Nitish Kumar held a joint press conference to announce the split, citing difficulties in continuing the alliance after Modi’s elevation. When Sharad Yadav ended his speech, Nitish reminded him about another important decision he forgot to announce. Then, Sharad Yadav announced his resignation as the NDA Convener.

Nitish also sacked all 11 BJP Ministers without waiting for their resignation to end the alliance in an acrimonious note. In its statement, JD(U) made it clear that it did not trust the current leadership (Narendra Modi) in the BJP. The party further said that speeches made by Rajnath Singh and Modi after BJP’s Goa National Executive, has vitiated the atmosphere.