The national convention of the Janata Dal (United) on Saturday endorsed its president Nitish Kumar's wish to formally join the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance, thus making the U-turn complete four years after the party quit the alliance.
This formal entry into the NDA fold will now allow the JD(U) to join the Modi government at the Centre. BJP chief Amit Shah was quick to welcome Nitish Kumar saying it was a “beginning of a new era.” It is a personal victory for Shah as the party had lost the state elections in 2015 under his watch. BJP now has an upper hand in Bihar. Contesting 2019 Lok Sabha elections would be lot easier.
Now, barring Delhi, BJP under Shah has managed to form governments in all major elections.
Being part of the NDA means Nitish would no longer be talked about at the national level as it was before. In NDA, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is the supreme leader where other leaders are not expected to occupy same mind space in public.
By entering NDA, Nitish Kumar has ensured for himself an unhindered tenure till 2020, but set in motion a process of slow waning away of his party's influence, with Sharad Yadav chipping away.
Yadav had held a parallel meeting to assert his difference over the Nitish Kumar leaving the grand alliance with Lalu Prasad Yadav. He is now planning to stake claim over the name and the symbol of party by approaching the election commission.
Sharad Yadav had been emboldened after good attendance at his “save composite culture” conclave in Delhi. Yadav is playing his cards with care. His utterances showcase his differences with Nitish faction, but also not going the whole distance to be expelled by the party.
“All 71 MLAs and 30 MLCs, and 16 of 19 office bearers are with us. There is no split in party,” JD(U) general secretary and Nitish loyalist K.C. Tyagi said. He warned Yadav against joining hands with the corrupt RJD.
It is yet to be seen how much damage can he inflict on Nitish's faction. Electorally strong Yadavs may side with him, while the dalits with Nitish. Known for his bluntness, Sharad Yadav is expected to work for opposition unity at the national level.
