The demonetisation has not only created a divide in the ruling Mahagathbandhan in Bihar but also led to a silent political upheaval whose echo may be heard far and wide in coming days.
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has not merely supported Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s attack on black money but repeated his backing to demonetisation decision publicly. On Sunday morning Nitish reportedly spoke to PM Modi while BJP chief Amit Shah at a public meeting in Bangaluru profusely thanked Nitish.
On the other hand RJD chief lalu Prasad who is critical of demonetisation spoke to Congress president Sonia Gandhi possibly on Opposition sponsored nationwide protest on Monday. Bihar Congress president and Education Minister Ashok Chaudhary who returned here after meeting Gandhi in New Delhi went straight to lalu’s residence from the airport.
Even being a partner of the Government lalu appeared not very comfortable with Congress and was not on talking terms with Gandhis. The demonetisation seems to have brought RJD supremo close once again to Congress hig command.
Nitish’s stand was hailed by Union Minister and lJP president Ram Vilas Paswan as well as former Deputy CM Sushil Kumar Modi, bith bitter critic of Nitish. Their praise came after Shah’s public thanksgiving to the Bihar CM.
JD(U) on Sunday defended Nitish’s stand and said being in Opposition did not mean crticism of the Government on every thing. “There can be difference of opinion among allies on certain issues,” said JD(U) general secretary Shyam Rajak.
The turn of events has naturally created suspicions that Nitish was getting close to the BJP once again. Bihar Congress president Chaudhary, however, said it would be premature to assume this.