Maintaining that it was comfortably placed in the poll-bound Bihar, the BJP on Thursday asserted that the ‘irreconcilable differences’ between the JDU and the RJD, ‘return of Jungle Raj’ in Bihar and the Modi-Government’s successful rescue of Indian nationals from crisis situations abroad, have further consolidated its electoral strength in the State.
Addressing a Press conference here, BJP national spokesperson Syed Shahnawaz Hussain said the six parties of erstwhile Janata Parivar which were supposed to merge together as a single party to oppose the BJP are ‘yet to have a Naam, Nishan aur Jhanda’.
“It is a benami party… with SP leader Mulayam Singh Yadav wondering which is the party he is heading..”, Hussain said taking a dig at attempts by “assorted leaders” to come together to oppose BJP in Bihar poll.
He said RJD leader lalu Prasad Yadav and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar will never come together to contest polls as they have serious differences.
Asked about the inclusion of Jitan Ram Manjhi’s in the NDA, Hussain evaded a direct response and rather quoted party president Amit Shah saying “doors are open and more supporters will come”.
On BJP pressurising lalu (not to join hands with JDU), he said, “We cannot pressurise lalu, we and lalu are separate banks of a river. This is Nitish Kumar inspired report,” he said.
Attacking the Bihar CM, he said Kumar “who refrains from talking about his own party” indulges in praise of Congress and AAP, the ruling party in the Delhi. Hussain said while “Jungle Raj” has returned in Bihar, the State Chief Minister was sending State police officers to Delhi to assist the Arvind Kejriwal dispensation.
The BJP spokesperson said the Modi-Government’s work has restored faith of people of Bihar and minorities in governance. He particularly pointed out Centre’s “successful rescue missions” abroad which he maintained drew “lot of applause” from people of Bihar.
Hussain said during elections a fear was created in the minds of minorities about the possible consequences of BJP Government at the Centre. “Government has given a fitting reply by its work”, he said adding that one year was marked by communal harmony. Some statements (though controversial) were there but they were “not official”, he said asserting that the Modi-Government was impartial to all.
Asked whether the BJP would announce its CM candidate in Bihar, he said in some instances party announced CM’s face and in some States it did not. “It is for the Parliamentary Board to decide the issue,”, he said.