Manohar Parrikar welcomes Nitish Kumar back into NDA, says he should have never left BJP's side

Panaji: Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar on Thursday welcomed Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar back into the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) fold.

He said although the Janata Dal (United) leader delayed his return, he was happy the JD(U) was back with the BJP-led NDA.

File image of Manohar Parrikar. PTI

"He should have been with the NDA right from the beginning. The right thing has happened even if it is late," Parrikar told reporters in Panaji. "He is welcome. I am happy."

Nitish Kumar unexpectedly resigned on Wednesday, but hours later joined hands with the BJP to reclaim the government in a stunning political manoeuvre that relegated his alliance partner RJD to the Opposition.

The ostensible reason for Kumar to quit was his falling out with Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav, the son of RJD supremo Lalu Prasad. Yadav is facing corruption charges but had refused to step down despite Kumar's exhortations.