United in optics, divided in reality: BJP on INDIA Bloc

New Delhi: After the Opposition alliance in Bihar named RJD's Tejashwi Yadav as its chief ministerial face and VIP's Mukesh Sahani as deputy CM nominee, the BJP dismissed the move, calling the bloc a "divided house."

"It's a divided house. That's why they were trying to send out a message of unity at the press conference (held in Patna on Thursday)," BJP national spokesperson Syed Zafar Islam told ET. "You don't need to send out a message of unity - it's reflected in your nature, conduct, commitment, and conviction," he added.

Islam said people could see through the Opposition's attempt to conceal its internal rifts.


Bihar deputy chief minister Samrat Choudhary claimed RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav had coerced the Congress into naming his son as CM face. "This was clear from the start. People of Bihar know that Lalu Prasad Yadav will never hand over the reins to anyone outside his family. They kept announcing candidates and insisting on the CM's face. This is what anarchy looks like... Lalu Prasad Yadav wants only his family to rule," Choudhary told ET.

BJP ally JD(U) also took a dig at the Opposition for naming Tejashwi. "Several elections have been fought under his leadership. He is a defeated soldier and, in this battle too, his defeat is certain. He has nothing new to show or do," senior JD(U) leader KC Tyagi told ET.