Key ally set to snap ties with BJP over Modi

Mamata Banerjee

The political drama around the rise of Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi on yesterday threatened to impact Bihar, with the state's ruling JD(U) expected to snap its 17-year-old alliance with the BJP and the impending development triggering talk of a third front ahead of next year's Lok Sabha polls.
Even while veteran BJP leader LK Advani is learnt to have spoken to JD(U) stalwarts, the saffron party said it was prepared to sit in the opposition in Bihar.
In Kolkata, days after giving a call for a non-Congress, non-BJP federal front of regional parties, West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee said she spoke to Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar and Odisha chief minister Naveen Patnaik . While Nitish Kumar virtually controls the JD(U), Patnaik heads Biju Janata Dal. Both are regional outfits.

Nitish Kumar

In Patna, a JD(U) leader indicated that the alliance with the BJP could be over soon.
"Only a formal announcement is to be made for snapping ties with the BJP," said the leader.
Bihar agriculture minister Narendra Singh categorically said Modi was not acceptable to his party as the NDA's prime ministerial candidate. He said Modi was tainted by his involvement in 2002 Gujarat riots, and Advani was more preferred.
The JD(U), which needs the support of 122 legislators in a house of 243 to remain in power in Bihar, has 119 lawmakers. They can maintain the government with the support of independents.
In Kolkata, Mamata Banerjee yesterday said she has spoken to Nitish Kumar and Naveen Patnaik on her proposal for a federal front. She said Nitish Kumar responded positively, while Patnaik has sought more time.