Rift widens between JD(U)and RJD in Bihar

NEW DELHI: Tension within Bihar’s ruling grand alliance over Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav’s continuation after being named in a corruption case is palpable, but the three allies—Janata Dal United, Rashtriya Janata Dal and Congress—have yet to sit together to find a solution.

While RJD and Tejashwi have ruled out resignation, saying the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) charge sheet against the deputy chief minister is political vendetta by ruling BJP, JDU leaders have hinted that his continuation could dent chief minister Nitish Kumar’s image as a clean leader.

More than 72 hours after Tejashwi’s explanation regarding charges levelled against him, no JDU leader has so far openly sought his resignation, but they have been dropping hints that they may not settle for anything less.

The party is in no hurry to take a decision on its own in this particular matter, a JDU insider said. “The message for RJD is clear that the party should understand the sentiment of our leader and CM Nitish Kumar. His policy is zero tolerance against corruption,” the person told ET on condition of anonymity.

RJD insiders, however, said there’s no pressure on the party. “Kahin koi mamla nahin hai. Sab hawa mein chal raha hai (There is no issue. Everything is in air),” said a senior party leader who is close to RJD supremo Lalu Prasad.

According to him, RJD’ main focus is its August 27 rally in Patna, which is likely to be attended by prominent national leaders of opposition camp. Both RJD and JD (U) have separately held their meetings recently and neither of them passed any resolution relating to Tejashwi’s resignation.

Meanwhile, Lalu Prasad is spending his time in different courts in Ranchi and other places of Jharkhand in connection with fodder scam cases.