BJP-JD(U) rift widens, Modi set to hit poll trail in Bihar

The BJP looks set for a showdown with the Janata Dal (United), with the party's Bihar unit seeking to invite Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi to its 'hunkar' rally in Patna next year. HT reports.

The BJP looks set for a showdown with the Janata Dal (United), with the party's Bihar unit seeking to invite Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi to its 'hunkar' rally in Patna next year.

"We will invite Modi to address the rally (on March 15). If he wishes to come, no one can stop him," said CP Thakur, president of BJP's state unit, in reference to likely objections from Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar.

Nitish is known to be opposed to Modi and had warned of severing ties with the BJP if it projected him as the NDA's prime ministerial candidate in the next general elections.

The state BJP is also strengthening its party at the grassroots level in anticipation of ties souring with the JD(U).

"We don't want to be found lacking in preparation to contest any Lok Sabha seat, should the scenario change suddenly," Thakur said.