Bihar CM appears uneasy at PM’s rally

Patna: The NDA’s unity in Bihar was questioned on Wednesday after a video showed chief minister Nitish Kumar sitting silently while Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his supporters chanted “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” and “Vande Mataram” during a rally held in Darbhanga a few days ago.

Opposition parties pointed out that Mr Modi in the same rally had criticised RJD nominee Abdul Bari Siddiqui for stating that he had no issue with chanting “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” but reciting “Vande Mataram” was against his religious beliefs.

The video, which went viral ahead of the crucial fifth phase of polling, has triggered sharp reactions from the Opposition camp. The development has also given rise to speculations about Mr Kumar’s next political move.

RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav who shared the video on Twitter took a dig at Mr Kumar, saying, “Keep your eyes on chacha (uncle). I think he won’t feel comfortable because there are so many poisonous people surrounding him.”

However, the BJP state unit played down the development. BJP spokesperson Nikhil Anand told this newspaper, “Spitting venom against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the chief minister won’t make Yadav a better or bigger leader.”

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