BJP, Congress dance to Nitish's tunes

The Bharatiya Janata Party on Friday sought to interpret the statement of Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, who demanded special status for his state, in its favour. The party hinted that as the two parties were in alliance in the state, the National Democratic Alliance government at the Centre was more likely to provide a special package to Bihar.

"Nitish Kumar is a seasoned politician. Whatever he has said is right. He knows that only the NDA can provide Bihar with such a package," BJP president Rajnath Singh said. He added that only a couple of days ago, Kumar had clarified that the Janata Dal - United was with the NDA and would remain with it. JD-U and BJP are partners in the ruling alliance in Bihar.

The Congress also indicated its willingness to accept Kumar's demand.

"Wherever there is a possibility to get support for government formation...those who want to come with us, those who believe in our policy, our doors are open for them, except BJP and Shiv Sena, which are communal parties," Congress leader Satyavrat Chaturvedi said.

Asked whether there was a possibility of an agreement between the Congress and the JD-U on this issue, Chaturvedi said no possibility could be denied at this moment. "All roads are open," he said.

To a question on how it was possible when the Congress was already in alliance with the Rashtriya Janata Dal, the main opposition party in Bihar, he said, "I have not said that this (alliance with JD-U) will certainly materialise...but nobody is untouchable except the BJP and the Shiv Sena."