'No if & but': BJP tells Chirag it's with Nitish in Bihar; warns LJP to avoid PM's posters

Rebuffing Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) chief Chirag Paswan, BJP on Tuesday "unequivocally" stated that leer of NDA alliance in Bihar is Nitish Kumar and ties between party and Janata Dal (United) is "unbreakable". Paswan, an ardent critic of Kumar, has anunced that his party will field candidates against JD(U) in polls and will form next government in alliance with BJP. LJP is an NDA partner at Central level.

In his very opening remarks in a joint press conference, state BJP chief Sanjay Jaiswal said, "re is doubt that Nitish Kumar is our leer in Bihar and LJP is our ally at Centre. NDA under Nitish Kumar will win a majority and form government."

When fielded a question on Paswan's repeated assertion of a post-poll pact with BJP by cutting JD(U)'s votes in polls and damaging Kumar's position, Bihar deputy CM Sushil Kumar Modi said, "re is if and but, confusion. We have said unequivocally that Nitish Kumar will be our CM. It doesn't matter which party gets how many seats in polls."

In an indirect warning to LJP, Modi said party will complain to Election Commission over possible use of PM Narendra Modi's photos in poll campaign by Independent candidates and political parties in Bihar. "We've got to kw that some Independent candidates and dozens of parties in Bihar might use photos of CM or PM. If needed, we'll write to EC that BJP, JD(U), VIP, HAM are contesting toger and only y can use PM's photos. If someone else uses it, EC can take action."

RE | Have 'very Cordial' Relations With BJP, Always Supported PM Modi's Leership Unlike Nitish: Chirag Paswan

Nitish hits backs at LJP, Paswan

Meanwhile, responding to Chirag Paswan's "Let me enjoy moment" remark after walking out of NDA in state, Nitish Kumar hit back saying, "I believe in doing my job. If some people derive pleasure out of saying something inconsequential, y are most welcome to do so. It doesn't bor me."

Taking shots at LJP, CM 'reminded' that party has just two seats in Bihar Assembly and Union Minister Ram Vilas Paswan reached Rajya Sabha after  BJP-JD(U) gave him a ticket. "Ram Vilas Paswan is unwell. We want him to recover. Did he reach Rajya Sabha without JDU's help? How many seats do y have in Bihar Vidhan Sabha? Two. So, BJP-JD(U) gave him a ticket to RS. What do we have to do with what someone says?"

NDA seat-sharing out

BJP and JD(U) anunced seat-sharing formula for upcoming Bihar Assembly election on Tuesday. In a significant climbdown for JD(U), it will contest only 115 seats on this occasion, ceding seven seats for Jitan Ram Manjhi-led HAM. On or hand, BJP shall field candidates in 121 constituencies. While Bihar CM Nitish Kumar anunced that  Vikassheel Insaan Party will be accommodated in BJP's quota of seats, re was clarity on number of seats it will contest.

upcoming Assembly election will be held in 3 phases — October 28, vember 3 and vember 7. To decongest polling stations, voting time has been increased by one hour. Thus, people will be able to cast ir votes from 7 am to 6 pm barring for areas affected by Left-wing extremism.  counting of votes will take place on vember 10. 

RE | Bihar Election 2020: NDA Seat-sharing Out; BJP & JD(U) To Contest 121 & 115 Seats Each

RE | Bihar Elections 2020: LJP's Chirag Paswan Says 'state Always Lacked Options'; Eyes Allies