JD(U) has not decided on vice-presidential vote: Nitish Kumar

PATNA: Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar has denied reports that his party has firmed up its line in the vice-presidential election. "All that is being said about JD(U) supporting Hamid Ansari is far from true. We will decide only after holding talks with NDA partners," Nitish Kumar told ET.

Kumar's decision to back Pranab Mukherjee in the presidential race had generated much interest among Congress leaders, who see this as a very positive development. They perceive that it could lead to political realignment in the state.

If Kumar decides to support Ansari, it will fuel speculation about his party, JD(U), and Congress drawing closer. This could create discomfort in BJP and RJD camps. Kumar however has been doing everything to dispel the impression of any political link up of JD(U) with Congress.

JD(U) national president Sharad Yadav has been authorised to discuss the issue on the vice-presidential polls with all NDA parties. "Congress does not even need our support to ensure the victory of Ansari, the electoral college in case of the vice-presidential election is smaller, compared to the presidential poll," Kumar told ET .

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had called up Kumar to solicit his support for Ansari, but the latter declined to give any firm assurance, saying the matter will have to be first discussed among NDA allies. Even on backing Mukherjee, JD(U) had said the support should not be construed as one meant for the UPA presidential candidate.

Mukherjee who has been touring different state capitals for soliciting support did not visit Patna, just to make sure that it did not cause any political inconvenience to Kumar. But the state Congress leaders are quite upbeat overt this development.