JD(U) may skip Punjab polls to aid a win for Arvind Kejriwal's AAP

PATNA: The JD(U) is apparently planning to not contest the Punjab assembly elections likely to be held later this year and support Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal's AAP.

Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar and Kejriwal are good friends and the Delhi CM had supported Kumar during the Bihar polls in October-November last year.

"In Punjab, we expect a direct contest between AAP and Congress. If JD(U) enters the fray, it may cut into the votes of AAP which also contests elections in the name of good governance and development," a JD(U) leader said, adding, "To avoid any situation which may go against AAP, our party is planning not to contest the Punjab assembly elections."

JD(U) is trying to expand the party in other states after its Mahagathbandhan with RJD and Congress posted massive victory in Bihar elections. Punjab has a sizeable population from Bihar working in farms and factories. Kumar's support to Kejriwal's party will help AAP against the BJP- SAD combine and the Congress. Kumar may also follow the strategy adopted by Kejriwal during Bihar assembly elections. The Delhi CM avoided sharing dais with RJD chief Lalu Prasad and Congress leaders Sonia and Rahul Gandhi by not participating in the election meetings.

During Bihar polls, Kejriwal appealed to the state voters on social media to support Kumar. "In Bihar, JD(U) and Congress are part of the ruling alliance and Kumar can't campaign for AAP and attack its own ally. The best policy will be to avoid public meetings," a JD(U) leader said.

JD(U) general secretary and spokesman KC Tyagi avoided a direct reply. "Nitish-Kejriwal friendship is known to everyone. This time AAP is very strong in Punjab. The BJP-SAD combine will definitely lose Punjab polls and our party will be happy to see a non-BJP force victorious. To make this happen, we may stay away from the polls," Tyagi said.