Rift in JD(U): Nitish Kumar Virtually Rules Out Reconciliation

Kumar said Sharad Yadav is “free to take any decision” as the alliance with the BJP had the entire party’s nod.

Sharad Yadav condemns Nitish joining BJP.

(Photo: PTI)

Bihar Chief Minister and JD(U) chief Nitish Kumar on Friday virtually shut the door on any reconciliation with rebel leader Sharad Yadav, saying he is free to take any decision as the alliance with the BJP had the entire party's nod.

Nitish talked to reporters after meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

It was his first visit to the national capital after he dumped grand alliance partners -- the RJD and the Congress – and sealed a tie-up with the BJP.

He (Yadav) is free to take his decision. As far as the party is concerned, it has already taken its decision. The decision was not mine alone and it was taken with the consent of the party. If he keeps a different opinion, then he is free to do so.

Nitish Kumar

This is Nitish’s first direct response to Yadav’s open rebellion against the alliance. Yadav had on Thursday slammed Nitish's move to ally with the BJP, and said he remained with the grand alliance, which was formed among the RJD, JD(U) and the Congress.

He also claimed that the real JD(U) is with him and the one with Kumar was ‘sarkari’ JD(U).

Yadav, who is the leader of the party in the Rajya Sabha, is on a tour to Bihar.

Video Editor: Sandeep Suman