In order to uphold their pride and self-esteem and keep the Muslim vote bank intact, Nitish Kumar’s JD(U) is all set to break the 17-year-long alliance with the BJP and make an exit from the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). The decision was reportedly taken at a high level meeting of the part late last night, but a final announcement will be made in a couple of days. The BJP is unfazed and seems to be prepared for the eventuality.

The JD(U) has already begun hectic parleys with BJD chief Naveen Patnaik and Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee to form a strong alliance that will have a greater say in the government formation at the centre and even explore the possibility of a Third Front. The party has extended support to BJD’s “Swabhiman Samabesh” in Delhi today, which demands a Special Category State Status for Odisha.

The JD(U) has realised the importance of Narendra Modi to the BJP after his recent elevation as the 2014 Election Campaign Committee Chairman. After a stalwart like Advani failed to counter Modi, Nitish has given up hopes and decided to break the alliance and look beyond the BJP in Bihar and Centre.