Ties with BJP: JD-U MLAs, MLCs asked to be in Patna on June 14, 15

PATNA: Amid speculation that it may split from NDA on the Narendra Modi issue, the JD-U leadership in Bihar has asked its MLAs and MLCs to be present here on June 14 and 15 to decide the fate of the alliance with BJP.

"Views have been firmed up to end ties with BJP and only an announcement has to be made," a JD(U) source said.

The announcement is expected to be made after Chief Minister Nitish Kumar returns from his two-day 'Sewa Yatra' at Katihar beginning tomorrow, sources said.

'Sewa Yatra' is aimed at testing efficiency of governance on the ground and the Katihar leg of the yatra was scheduled long back.

"The crux of consultations held by Kumar with senior party leaders, parliamentary party members and legislature party members during the past two days is that it will not possible for JD-U to continue with BJP after the elevation of Modi," the source said.

Kumar, however, did not respond to questions by journalists on the likely break-up after he emerged from a programme here. He greeted them with folded hands before driving off.

During the day, BJP leader L K Advani spoke to Kumar and JD-U chief Sharad Yadav over phone and is believed to have impressed on the need for the NDA to stay united to face the Lok Sabha elections unitedly.

With things moving fast, BJP leaders in the state met at Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Modi's residence to discuss the situation.

JD-U insiders said two Independent legislators met Kumar's close confidante R C P Singh, a Rajya Sabha MP of the party during the day and pledged support to the government in the event of BJP departure from the ministry.

The two MLAs - Pawan Kumar Jaiswal and Binay Bihari - confirmed meeting Singh and said they had extended support to Kumar as they do not want Bihar to become Jharkhand and that the government complete its full term.