JD(U) not to align with "enemy" Cong at the cost of "friend"

New Delhi, April 14: Citing his failure to check post-Godhra riots, NDA constituent JD(U) on April 13 made clear its opposition to Narendra Modi's projection as Prime Ministerial candidate but ruled out the possibility of aligning with "enemy" Congress at the cost of "friend" BJP.

Taking stock of the political scenario in the country against the growing clamour in BJP for pitting Modi as the Prime Ministerial candidate, the JD(U) executive, which met here, criticised the Gujarat Chief Minister saying he "failed in discharging his duties as the head of the state to check communal riots in Gujarat in 2002".

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar said in the meeting that JD(U) "will not compromise with its principles", which was interpreted by many in party circles as an indication that he will not keep silent if BJP projects Modi as its PM candidate.

While JD(U) leaders have made public statements expressing their antipathy to Modi, this is the first time the party has made its position formally clear through a conclave--the National Executive meeting.

PTI