Budget: Chidu woos Nitish; JD(U) joining UPA, quitting NDA?

New Delhi, March 1: The

-14 was presented by Finance Minister P Chidambaram on Thursday, Feb 28. Apart from trying to send strong "economic" messages to the country, Finance Minister played a political masterstroke, by wooing

Chief Minister

.

After the announcement of the budget, Bihar Chief Minister profusely praised Chidambaram in front of television cameras. Political analysts feel JD(U) is coming closer to UPA, and most probably quitting NDA alliance. As General Elections are few months away, experts say Chidambaram used the budget to woo Nitish Kumar cleverly.

Kumar, whose Janata Dal (United) has governed Bihar since 2005 is having an alliance with the BJP in NDA. Kumar heaped praises on Chidambaram for agreeing to reconsider Bihar's demand to get "special status".

JD (U) has been demanding the special status to get higher federal aid. "I am glad that Chidambaram has said that he would revisit the criteria for special status," Kumar said.

"This is big victory for the people of Bihar. It will eventually pave the way for according special status to Bihar," Kumar added.

The Bihar Chief Ministr appreciated Chidambaram for allocating funds to the upcoming Nalanda International University. "The importance given to rebuilding Nalanda University by the finance minister is welcome," said Kumar.

Of late, differences between Bihar Chief Minister and main constituent of NDA, BJP is out in the open. Kumar has openly expressed his reservation against Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi being projected as Prime Ministerial candidate for NDA.

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