Nitish Kumar-led JD(U) passes resolution to join NDA, no action against Sharad

After the mega meeting of anti-BJP parties held in Delhi, JD (U) rebels all set to hold a convention in Patna, coinciding with the national executive meet convened by the party headed by Bihar Chief

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's Janata Dal (United) on Saturday passed a resolution at the National Executive meeting to join BJP-led NDA at the Centre. The resolution paves the way for partymen to join the Union ministry.

Party leader K C Tyagi after the meeting said,''JD(U) under Nitish Kumar to become part of NDA.

He reiterated that there is no split as such in Janata Dal (U). ''71 MLAs, 30 MLC & all office bearers all are with Nitish Kumar, ''he eadded.

Earlier, Nitish Kumar began the national executive meeting in Patna amid protest by supporters of rebel leader Sharad Yadav and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) outside CM's residence. Security outside CM's residence increased after the demonstration.

Before the meeting began, the party had denied rift in the party and sought 'on the record' statement by rebel leader Shard Yadav over his disagreement with the party.

Senior JD (U) leader KC Tyagi, who is with Nitish Kumar faction, said: ''We want it on record that though Sharadv Yadav Ji does not agree with party's decisions but there is no rift in the party.''

''Sharad Yadav Ji is invited (for JDU National Exec. meet), but he can sort out differences but he shouldn't attend Lalu Yadav's program,'' he said.

Meanwhile, Sharad Yadav reached the S K Memorial Hall amid slogans in his support and against Nitish Kumar.

Ever since Nitish Kumar formed an alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the developments in Janata Dal (United) have been giving indications of dissent among party leaders.

Firstly, Sharad Yadav maintained his silence over the new alliance, then he was removed as parliamentary leader of the party followed by suspension of 21 members believed to be his loyalists.

After the mega meeting of anti-BJP parties held in Delhi, JD (U) rebels all set to hold a convention in Patna, coinciding with the national executive meet convened by the party headed by Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar.

Ahead of the parallel conventions, poster war has broken out between the two camps of the party.

Hoarding by the Sharad Yadav-led faction stick to the idea of 'Mahagatbhandhan'. The posters highlight the 'existence of grand alliance' formed by 17 opposition parties.

The Yadav faction has organised a Jan Adalat at S K Memorial Hall. "No leader from our side will attend the national executive as 'Sharad Yadav's JD(U)' is the 'asli (real) JD(U)'. If need arises, we will go to the Election Commission for claiming the symbol," said Ali Anwar, Rajya Sabha MP.

Poster war in Bihar ahead of Nitish Kumar, Sharad Yadav's meetings

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A day before the convention, sharpening the attack on Nitish Kumar for giving up "democratic norms", Anwar Ansari asserted that those opposed to the Bihar CM represented the "real" JD (U), and added, "Nitish represents BJP Janata Dal."

However, refusing to acknowledge a "split" in the party, Ansari said there was "sharp resentment" among JD(U) workers on the removal of Sharad Yadav as the leader of party MPs in the Rajya Sabha and also for questioning Nitish's decision to form an alliance with the BJP.

Reports also indicate that the party is heading for a split.

(With agency inputs)