K R Murthy
The confusion among the BJP workers was sought to be cleared when the BJP announced that Nitish Kumar is the leader of NDA in Bihar. The two major partners in the alliance, the JDU and the BJP, had several rounds of discussions before announcing the seat sharing formula on Tuesday in Patna.
7 seats for HAM(S)
“The JDU will contest on 122 seats and give seven seats out of it to alliance partner Jitan Ram Manjhi-led Hindustani Awam Morcha (secular). The BJP will contest on 121 seats accommodating the Vikassheel Insaan Party (VIP) from its quota,” Chief Minister Nitish Kumar told a media conference.
Deputy chief minister and senior BJP leader Sushil Kumar Modi reiterated that Nitish Kumar would continue to lead the alliance. He reminded the BJP’s State chief Sanjay Jaiswal’s remark that “those who do not accept Nitish Kumar’s leadership will not be a part of NDA in Bihar.” Sushil Kumar Modi told the media in categorical terms that there should be no confusion over the issue anymore. “Nitish Kumar is the leader of the alliance and also the chief minister candidate.”
Will ask EC not allow other to use PM’s pics
Sushil Kumar Modi had gone to the extent of saying that he would request the Election Commission of India not to allow any other party or individuals except the four of them (BJP, JDU, HAM(S) and VIP) to use the pictures of Prime Minister Naredra Modi during the campaign. The BJP has released a list of 27 candidates and the rest would be announced on Thursday, according to sources.
BJP had to make this announcement repeatedly because of the doubts created by the leaders of the former partner Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) who said they are opposing Nitish Kumar but supporting the BJP. Party president Chirag Paswan told the media the other day that his party would put up candidates against JDU candidates but would support the BJP candidates and would also back a BJP candidate for the post of chief minister after the polls. His attitude indicated that his party might use the pictures of the prime minister in the campaign. There were reports in the media saying that the BJP is playing a double game to checkmate Nitish Kumar who has been the chief minister for 15 years.
BJP announces 27 candidates
In order to clear doubts in the minds of the party workers and the people in general, the BJP leader Sushil Kumar Modi had particularly stated twice that Nitish Kumar would be the leader of the alliance by all means. Thursday is the last date for filing nominations for the first phase in which there are 71 seats. Polling in this phase is scheduled on October 28. The counting of votes will take place on November 10.
