JD-U for pitching Nitish as 'national alternative' to Modi

Buoyed by the landslide victory of its alliance in the Bihar poll, the Janata Dal-United on Monday pitched for unity among Opposition parties against the Narendra Modi-led Bharatiya Janata Party 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 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 is communal, then it is not good for the country. The signal that has gone out of Bihar is good. All regional parties are happy," Singh said.

"Like the non-Congress politics practised in the country earlier, the non-BJP politics has begun from Bihar. The state had destroyed what was being referred to as the charismatic image of Modi. Two faces were visible in state; that of Modi and Kumar. Bihar has put its stamp on Kumar in this clash of personality, ideology and work,” he said at a press conference.

Signalling trouble for the treasury benches during the winter session of Parliament, the Rajya Sabha MP downplayed his party’s support to the Goods and Services Tax 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 and 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 lines of the United Progressive Alliance, saying various comments are made in enthusiasm.

The grand alliance of JD-U-Rashtriya Janata Dal-Congress trounced the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance in Bihar, winning 178 of 243 seats.

Kumar, the chief ministerial face of the combine, is set to take oath on November 20.