Ex-JDU chief Sharad Yadav in talks with party netas before Bihar polls; may rejoin NDA

Days after ex-chief minister of Bihar Jitan Ram Manjhi returned to NDA fold, sources have told Republic World that senior JD(U) leaders are in talks with former party leader Sharad Yadav, launching speculations of his 'ghar wapaasi.' This comes after Sharad Yadav was admitted to a Gurugram hospital and JD(U) General Secretary KC Tyagi reportedly spoke with him and also arranged a call between Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's aide and him. If sources are to be believed, st is set for Sharad Yadav's return to JDU, three years after he was removed from party, and a month ahead of Bihar polls. 

Why did Sharad Yadav leave JD(U)?

Sharad Yadav, who was one of trusted lieutenants of Nitish Kumar was removed from leader of Rajya Sabha in 2017 after he publically condemned Nitish for quitting grand alliance. Yadav n challenged disqualification in Delhi High Court and case is still pending. 

Though Sharad Yadav in May 2018 formed his own party - Loktantrik Janata Dal, he unsuccessfully contested  Lok Sabha elections from Madhepura on RJD ticket and lost. His return is symbolic for JD(U) as Nitish Kumar faces heat over COVID-19 situation, unemployment and migrant crisis in state.

READ | Bihar Polls: Ex-CM Jitan Ram Manjhi returns to NDA fold; says' full faith in Modi-Nitish'

Manjhi rejoins NDA

Earlier this week, ex-chief minister Jitan Ram Manjhi, declared that his Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular) will join NDA. This came as a major development ahead of Bihar elections and a jolt to RJD.  Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular) will t merge with any party, rar it will be a part of NDA in Bihar elections that is due in October-vember, party spokesperson Danish Rizwan said. Moreover, he added that number of seats party will get to contest in upcoming elections was never an issue for it as HAM(S) will join NDA for development of state.

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Rahul Gandhi plans virtual rallies

Meanwhile, amid internal chaos in Congress, Rahul Gandhi is set to campaign in upcoming assembly polls in Bihar, said sources on Saturday. Rahul Gandhi's eyes at Congress fortune in Bihar as well as aims to motivate party workers ahead of campaign season, sources added. Congress' election in-charge and national secretary Ajay Kapoor said that former Congress chief will conduct 100 virtual rallies throughout state from September 1 to 21.

BJP finalises poll strategy

Ahead of assembly polls in Bihar, political alignments in state have begun, with BJP declaring that anyone who favours Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership is welcome to join ir fold. BJP chief JP Nadda also held a crucial meeting with party MPs to finalise its poll strategy. BJP's national president had already declared that NDA will contest election under leadership of Nitish Kumar. 

READ | Bihar polls: Ar RJD MLA quits party; 7th legislator to join JD(U) in a fortnight

Bihar elections 2020

Amid rising COVID-19 cases, Bihar is all set to go to polls for a 243-member assembly seat in October-vember. Election Commission has issued directives to conduct election amid COVID, however, dates are yet to be anunced. In 2015 assembly polls, CM Nitish Kumar's JDU, n a part of Mahagathbandhan won 71 seats, Lalu Prasad Yadav's RJD won 80 seats, and Congress won 27 seats. BJP which fought elections alone after Kumar in 2013 broke 17-year-old alliance won a mere 53 seats out of 157 contested. However, saffron party came back to power when Kumar ditched Mahagathbandhan and once again stitched an alliance with BJP.

READ | 'BJP, JDU, LJP will fight toger and win Bihar polls': JP Nadda exudes confidence in NDA