BJP-JD(U) ties on the mend, but undecided on 'Vishwas Yatra'

Despite BJP claims of back channel communication with JD(U) in a "cordial atmosphere", the strain in relationship between the two in Bihar was once again visible today with the saffron party deferring a decision on participating in the next 'Vishwas Yatra' in Gaya.

Despite BJP claims of back channel communication with JD(U) in a "cordial atmosphere", the strain in relationship between the two in Bihar was once again visible today with the saffron party deferring a decision on participating in the next 'Vishwas Yatra' in Gaya.

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BJP President Nitin Gadkari held a meeting with Bihar party unit Chief C P Thakur and Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Modi to discuss the alliance with JD(U). Central leaders Ravi Shankar Prasad and Shahnawaz Hussain, who hail from the state, were also present.

Soon after the meeting, some of the senior leaders from the state maintained that Sushil Modi will not participate in the rally.

However, the Central leadership insisted that no directions had been given to party's Bihar unit about the Vishwas Yatra.

"Reports in the media are baseless. No directions have been issued to the state unit on whether to attend or not to attend the Vishwas Yatra," BJP spokesperson Shahnawaz Hussain said.

Meanwhile, sources claimed communication between the two parties is taking place "in a cordial atmosphere".

Hussain said the meeting between Gadkari and Bihar leaders did not discuss the rally due to the deaths of former Union Minister and MP Digvijay Singh and Sudha Srivastava, Minister of Planning in Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's cabinet.

Meanwhile, top brass of JD(U) and BJP are in touch with each other, according to sources.

"We are working towards building bridges between the two parties after some lack of confidence had developed between them," a senior BJP leader said.