Nitish rules out change in NDA leadership

Patna, Dec 25 (UNI) Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar today ruled out any change in the NDA leadership, saying former Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee would continue as the leader of the alliance.

''No vacancy exists for the post of the NDA leader,'' Mr Kumar said and refused to suggest any substitute for Mr Vajpayee.

Asked about his party's approach towards the BJP's resolve to revert to Ram Mandir issue, Mr Kumar said the JD(U) was not a party to it.

He, however, clarified the BJP was free to adopt its own policy, including the controversial issue of Ram Mandir construction at the disputed site in Ayodhya.

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