PM Narendra Modi and Nitish Kumar talk after years

PATNA: After years of mutual bitterness which finally led to the split in the 17-year-old BJP-JD(U) alliance, PM Narendra Modi and Bihar CM Nitish Kumar took a step towards normalcy when they happened to meet each other during the marriage reception of Lalu Prasad's daughter, at a posh hotel in New Delhi on Thursday. If this was not enough, FM Arun Jaitley hosted Kumar for dinner the same night, setting off talks of a possible rapprochement between the BJP and JD(U) in future.

At the star-studded show during the marriage reception, the PM who was being escorted by the RJD chief readily reached out for Kumar who was seen sitting with the JD(U) spokesperson KC Tyagi. Not expecting anything like this, Kumar was surprised by the warmth with which the PM greeted him. The two leaders shook hands, profusely surprising those who were present there.

"How are you Nitishji?" the PM enquired even as he pointed out how the hike in the devolution formula from 32% to 42% will boost Bihar's economy.