Even as Nitish Kumar’s JD-U is back in the NDA fold after forming an alliance government in Bihar with the support of the BJP, the party is likely to stick to its earlier stance of supporting UPA candidate Gopalkrishna Gandhi against NDA’s Venkaiah Naidu in the ensuing Vice Presidential elections.
Reports suggest that all JD-U lawmakers have been conveyed that Gopal Gandhi remains their candidate and they need not consider NDA nominee Venkaiah Naidu.
“Nitishji has always maintained that the party has different roles in Bihar and in national politics. Alliance with BJP is in the interest of the state. But the party has supported Gopal Gandhi on merit and his credentials. Therefore, there is no reason to change the decision,” a senior JD (U) leader was quoted as saying.
It could be noted that Nitish Kumar’s JD-U had supported NDA Presidential candidate Ram Nath Kovind in the recently concluded Presidential elections. That time Nitish Kumar was with the UPA and he broke ranks with the Opposition to support Kovind.
The JD-U later announced its support to Gopal Gandhi for the Vice Presidential election. That time too the party was with the UPA.
The JD-U leader said the party will stick to its earlier decision to support Gandhi’s candidature in the Vice Presidential poll. There are similarities between JDU’s support to Ram Nath Kovind and Gopal Gandhi, he said.
