Accusing the BJP of forcing it to walk out of the alliance by not being forthcoming on Narendra Modi’s future role, senior JD(U) leader Shivanand Tiwari on Saturday said the announcement of a split in the coalition was a “mere formality“.
Mr. Tiwari also dubbed Mr. Modi as an “arrogant” and “divisive personality” who cannot take all sections along.
“We have been looking for a categorical assurance that Narendra Modi will not be the prime ministerial candidate in whatsoever situation, but that has not been forthcoming from them (BJP) during talks to save the NDA amid imminent walk out of the JD(U),” the senior JD(U) leader said.
“..The BJP has forced the JD (U) to walk out of the alliance by being not forthcoming on Modi’s future role,” he said.
He said the announcement on JD (U)’s split from NDA is a mere formality which will take place soon after consultations among the JD(U) top leaders, which he claimed, was not required at all in view of “our consistent stand on Modi”.
Launching a scathing attack on the Gujarat Chief Minister, he said, “Modi is an arrogant person and this reflects from his personality....his divisive attitude is too well known”.
He asked how a secular party like the JD (U) can allow such an “arrogant and divisive person to be projected as the prime ministerial candidate.”
“Modi’s personality does not reflect of a person who wants to bring more people with him, but at the same time no one has any doubt that his name is enough to divide the society,” the JD(U) national spokesperson said.
To questions whether JD (U) has put conditions before BJP, party president Sharad Yadav said, “We have not put any conditions before BJP. The alliance so far has run on a national agenda which has to be respected by all.”
Mr. Yadav acknowledged that there are “difficulties in the alliance” but added, “we are trying to sort it out”.
“The situation is indeed very difficult. It’s not an easy situation. Problems are there inside (the alliance) but attempts are also being made to rectify it,” Mr. Yadav said.
He said a decision will be taken only after a meeting of party leaders.
