JD(U) projects Nitish Kumar as national alternative to PM Modi

New Delhi: Buoyed by the landslide victory of its alliance in the Bihar poll, JD(U) on Monday called for unity among opposition parties against the Narendra Modi government, saying the state election has heralded an era of non-BJP politics in the country. It also sought to project Nitish Kumar, who led his party to a third straight assembly election victory, as a national alternative to PM Modi, saying he got better of the Prime Minister in a personality contest in Bihar and has the ability to lead a national front against him too. Bihar JD(U) chief, Bashistha Narain Singh, however, added that it was up to all parties involved to take a call on the leadership of such a front while insisting that Kumar had the image and ability to do so. “Making Bihar as an example, all parties should agree to a common minimum programme to corner the government in Parliament. If the BJP’s agenda communal, then it is not good for the country,” he said at a press conference. Bashishta Narain Singh also added that the state destroyed the so-called charismatic image of PM Modi. “Two faces were visible in state; that of PM Modi and Kumar. Bihar has put its stamp on Kumar in this clash of personality, ideology and work,” he added. [caption id=“attachment_2301500” align=“alignleft” width=“300”] Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. Image courtesy: PTI[/caption] Signalling trouble for the treasury benches during the winter session of Parliament, the Rajya Sabha MP downplayed his party’s support to the GST Bill, and said a decision on its stand will be taken after consultation with different parties. Asked if he thought Kumar should lead a non-BJP formation, Singh said, “I believe Nitish Kumar has image, ability, diligence to do so. It is not for him to decide and all parties concerned will have to take a call. But I will stress that he has the ability to assume any responsibility.” He also made light of reported suggestions from Congress that there should be a wider front led by it on the UPA line, saying various comments are made in enthusiasm. The grand alliance of JD(U)-RJD-Congress trounced the BJP-led NDA in Bihar, winning 178 of 243 seats. Kumar, the chief ministerial face of the combine, is set to take oath on November 20. PTI