JD(U) blames BJP for poll debacle

For the first time, JD(U) has publicly accused the BJP of mishandling the election campaign and squarely blamed it for the defeat of the NDA alliance in the polls, reports Shekhar Iyer.

The Janata Dal(United) may not severe links with the BJP immediately, but its disenchantment with the NDA appeared complete as its conclave concluded here on Sunday.

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For the first time, it has publicly accused the BJP of mishandling the election campaign and squarely blamed it for the defeat of the NDA alliance in the polls.

“The BJP raised all wrong issues and this damaged us. They could not take up any real issues touching the common masses,” JD(U) chief Sharad Yadav, who is also NDA convenor, said at the end of his party’s national executive meeting ended.

Yadav minced no words in describing the mood of his party was after the conclave. “There is a difference between the pre-poll alliance and now. The reasons for the debacle will be raised with the BJP leaders and ways to find a solution will be worked out.”

He said, “The BJP could not recreate the magic of the (former prime minister Atal Bihari) Vajpayee days.”

Criticising the BJP, Yadav said: “Despite Rajnath Singh and many other leaders being originally farmers, the BJP could not raise any issues relating to the farmers.

With the JD(U) reportedly getting closer to the Congress, Yadav’s remarks are ominous signs for the BJP. The JD(U), however, is not expected to rock the coalition it runs in Bihar with the help of 55 BJP MLAs.

The JD(U) adopted a resolution that demanded immediate implementation of the Sachar Committee report and supported Scheduled Caste status for Dalits among Christian and Muslims. The BJP is opposed to both the issues.

Asked about BJP’s opposition to these demands, Bihar CM Nitish Kumar said, “We are a different political party. Their (BJP’s) opinion could be different. But we will air our views.”