JD(U) leaders jump ship, join ex-ally BJP

NEW DELHI: Several JD(U) leaders in the capital joined BJP on Tuesday. BJP leaders say this move indicates growing support for the party and its prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi.

Janata Dal (United) had snapped ties with BJP after it nominated Modi as its PM candidate. With nine senior JD(U) leaders joining the saffron party, BJP feels this will help it consolidate the support of the Poorvanchali voter.

The JD(U) leaders who joined BJP include chief general secretary Diwakar Jha, and general secretaries Surendra Gupta and Sunil Kashyap.

"There is panic among the opposition parties. People want Modi to lead the country. Workers of other parties have also realized that BJP can provide a stable government," said Delhi BJP chief Harsh Vardhan.