NDA convenor George Fernandes' warming up towards his old socialist friends like Mulayam Singh Yadav is being viewed in BJP circles as the JD (U) leader's desperate move to find a political platform after being marginalised in his own party.
A senior BJP leader, who requested not to be named, said the party would not be surprised if he switches to a new political platform.
"If he (Fernandes) stays with the NDA, which we would like him to, it will be good. And if he moves out, we won't be surprised," he said.
He admitted the NDA was now a much smaller coalition than it was while in power.
"In coalitions, leaders come together for power and move apart when there is no power. The NDA is now a much smaller grouping. And I don't think the question that who should be its convenor will be too complex an issue," the BJP leader said.
The BJP had earlier in September disapproved of Fernandes' attack on Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and JD (U) chief Sharad Yadav whom he accused of being autocrats.