RJD chief Lalu Prasad with JD(U) leader Nitish Kumar after Grand Alliance's victory in Bihar assembly elections. (Press Trust of India photo)
Congress today sidestepped questions whether Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar could emerge as the rallying point of anti-BJP forces in next Lok Sabha elections following his spectacular victory in Bihar.
"It is relevant only after the 2019 Lok Sabha elections are declared. It is not relevant now", party general secretary CP Joshi told reporters.
He was asked whether non-Congress parties could rally round Mr Kumar in the wake of Bihar poll result which saw abject defeat of BJP-led NDA.
After decimating BJP in Bihar, Grand Alliance leaders Nitish Kumar and Lalu Prasad yesterday had spoken of plans of forging a strong national alternative as an "effective opposition" to BJP.
The chief minister has said results have reflected the mood of the country that they wanted a strong alternative at the national level.
At the AICC briefing, Mr Joshi also steered clear of questions whether Congress would declare its chief ministerial candidates in poll-going states like the Grand Alliance had done in Bihar by successfully projecting Mr Nitish Kumar.
Generally, Congress does not declare its CM candidates ahead of polls.
He was also ambivalent on questions whether Congress would forge alliances with like-minded parties in poll-going states like it did in Bihar.
Replying to a specific query about Assam, which goes to polls next year, he said that the party would not go for an alliance there as the state organisation was fighting fit.