Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is garlanded after he was elected as JD(U) legislature party leader in Patna on Saturday, November 14, 2015. (Press Trust of India photo)
Buoyed by the landslide victory of its alliance in the Bihar poll, JD(U) today pitched for unity among opposition parties against the Narendra Modi government, saying the state election has heralded an era of non-BJP politics in the country.
It also sought to project Nitish Kumar, who led his party to a third straight assembly election victory, as a national alternative to Mr Modi, saying he got better of the Prime Minister in a personality contest in Bihar and has the ability to lead a national front against him too.
Bihar JD(U) chief Bashistha Narain Singh, however, added that it was up to all parties involved to take a call on the leadership of such a front while insisting that Mr Kumar had the image and ability to do so.
"Making Bihar as an example, all parties should agree to a common minimum programme to corner the government in Parliament. If the BJP's agenda is communal, then it is not good for the country. The signal that has gone out of Bihar is good. All regional parties are happy.
"Like the non-Congress politics practised in the country earlier, the non-BJP politics has begun from Bihar. The state had destroyed what was being referred to as the charismatic image of Modi. Two faces were visible in state; that of Modi and Kumar. Bihar has put its stamp on Kumar in this clash of personality, ideology and work," he said at a press conference.
Signalling trouble for the treasury benches during the Winter Session of Parliament, the Rajya Sabha member downplayed his party's support to the GST Bill, and said a decision on its stand will be taken after consultation with different parties.
Asked if he thought Mr Kumar should lead a non-BJP formation, Mr Singh said, "I believe Nitish Kumar has image, ability, diligence to do so. It is not for him to decide and all parties concerned will have to take a call. But I will stress that he has the ability to assume any responsibility."
He also made light of reported suggestions from Congress that there should be a wider front led by it on the UPA line, saying various comments are made in enthusiasm.
The Grand Alliance of JD(U)-RJD-Congress trounced the BJP-led NDA in Bihar, winning 178 of 243 seats. Mr Kumar, the chief ministerial face of the combine, is set to take oath on November 20.
Amid speculations over the list of invitees to Mr Kumar's oath-taking ceremony, Bashistha Narain Singh said it was being handled by the Bihar chief minister and his office.
Asked if RJD will get the post of deputy chief minister, he said it was for Mr Kumar and Mr Lalu Prasad to decide.
Taking a dig at Mr Modi over his foreign trips, he said a united opposition may "force our tourist prime minister to pay attention to the national issues".
Meanwhile, JD(U) chief Sharad Yadav said he would raise the issue of intolerance and returning of awards by artistes, writers and scientists when the winter session of Parliament begins on November 26.
"They are the gems of the country and sensitive people. I will raise their voice," he said.