The BJP on Friday gloated over RJD and JD(U), two major constituents of grand secular alliance government in Bihar, charting different courses in Uttar Pradesh poll and said it would have “effect” on the ruling coalition here.
“It would have effect on the ruling coalition in Bihar,” BJP leader Sushil Kumar Modi, reacting on RJD president Lalu Prasad’s announcement that his party would not contest U.P. polls, told reporters.
While Mr. Prasad has announced that his party would not field any candidate and indicated helping his ‘samdhi’ and Samajwadi Party chief Mulayam Singh Yadav, Mr. Kumar has been making frequent tours of UP signalling his intent to play a significant role in upcoming polls in the neighbouring state.
“Even as Lalu Prasad is strongly siding with SP chief Mulayam Singh Yadav, many of the assertions of Nitish Kumar have been against SP chief which indicates sharp difference between ‘Bade bhai’ (Lalu) and ‘Chhote bhai’ (Nitish),” said Sushil, the Leader of Opposition in state Legislative Council.
“Their clashing interests in UP would definitely have an effect on the grand secular alliance in Bihar,” he said and claimed that Prasad and Kumar have “conflicting interests”.
“RJD chief’s floating demand for 80 per cent reservation for Biharis in jobs and admission in technical institutions and his assertions against ban on toddy sale in Bihar appears to be guided by his intent to play one-upmanship against Nitish Kumar who has favoured extension of reservation for SC, ST and OBC in private sectors as well as in judiciary and his going all hog in support of prohibition,” the BJP leader claimed.
Mr. Modi also lamented the Nitish Kumar government scheduling the monsoon session for only five days.
“Such a short session of five days is unprecedented in Bihar. The session will end on August 4 (Thursday) and the members would be deprived of asking any question on education department which is scheduled for Friday,” he said.
He also criticised the state government circulating amendment in new Excise Act with “draconian” provisions of arrest of adult members of the family if alcohol is seized from that house without consulting all parties.
“The State government which circulated the amendment legislation in state Assembly this morning has sought opinion of the members till 3 p.m.. Is it possible for members to go through the detailed legislation properly?” he asked, adding BJP would still place its reservation particularly on arrest of adult family members in case of seizure of liquor from their house. - PTI
