An atmosphere of "rebellion" is brewing in the JD(U) in Bihar, with several of its MPs and MLAs in negotiations with the BJP and other parties, according to BJP MP Sushil Kumar Modi on Monday, news agency PTI reported. He said that these JD(U) leaders are unable to recognise Tejashwi Yadav of the RJD as Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's "successor" or Rahul Gandhi of the Congress as the head of the unified opposition.
When asked if the BJP will consider admitting dissidents from the ruling JD(U), Sushil Modi remained noncommittal, but stated that the BJP will not welcome Nitish Kumar even if he comes grovelling at the party doors.
When questioned about Bihar facing Maharashtra-like political situation, Modi informed reporters: "In Bihar also, an atmosphere of rebellion is building up in the JD (U) since Nitish Kumar announced the RJD's Tejashwi Yadav as his successor and accepted Rahul Gandhi as leader in the next fight. None of the JD (U) MLAs or MPs is ready to accept Rahul Gandhi and Tejashwi Yadav."
"The JD (U) is facing prospects of a split in the party…Anything is possible in coming days. Nobody can guarantee that nothing will happen in the JD (U)," he said.
Many JD (U) MPs believe their future is bleak after Nitish Kumar severed relations with the BJP and joined forces with the RJD in Bihar to retain power, according to Sushil Modi.
"A large number of JD (U) MPs knows they are not going to get ticket in the next election. They see their future and that of the party's in dark since Nitish Kumar announced Tejashwi Yadav his successor. That's why there is chaos in the JD (U). Its MPs and MLAs are approaching other parties," the BJP leader claimed.
"Many of them are in touch with us (BJP) also," he said when asked. "But, a decision on who should be take into the party fold and who should not depends on many factors."