Nitish Kumar keeps BJP guessing, 'federal front' formation at initial stage

Confirming that he spoke to BJP leaders Lal Krishna Advani, Rajnath Singh and Murli Manohar Joshi, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Thursday said that he is concerned about the latest political developments, and added that the Janata Dal (United) would discuss the entire episode and then work its future plans.

"Advaniji had called him and he also spoke to our party chief Sharad Yadav. He told us something. We will discuss it and take appropriate step," Kumar told mediapersons here.

" BJP President Rajnath Singh also called last night and former BJP President and senior leader Murli Manohar Joshiji called this morning. We are concerned with whatever has happened and we will discuss it," he added.

The Bihar Chief Minister also did not rule out the possibility of a 'federal front' for the 2014 Lok Sabha polls. He said that there is a need to develop a new and joint strategy to deal with the problems confronting the under-developed and backward states of the country.

"Mamataji spoke over the phone. She is of the opinion that the problems of Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha and Bengal should be kept in mind and should be thought upon commonly. I also said that we should be in favour of each other's problems. Our problems are common and there are some important problems," said Nitish ` Kumar.

"As in West Bengal, there is a heavy burden of debt. Our problem is that we are a development deficit state and demanding a special category status. In Odisha also Naveen babu (Naveen Patnaik) has demanded a special status for the State. Similarly, Jharkhand also has some problems. So, if we all unite and find a common approach to tackle each other's problems then it will be very good," he added.

The Bihar Chief Minister, however, said the emergence of a 'federal front' is at a very initial stage now. He said "We had discussions on this matter, but right now it is at a very initial stage" and suggested that the four states should raise their voice together for a common cause.

Nitish Kumar, who has given string indications of snapping ties with BJP, is planning to create a 'federal front' of three Chief Ministers, that of Odisha, West Bengal and Bihar.

West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress (TMC) chief Mamata Banerjee yesterday said that she had spoken to both Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on the formation of a 'federal front'.

"When they will respond in a positive way, I will let you know. But discussions are going on. We are friends and we can talk," she told mediapersons outside her office in Kolkata.

Janata Dal (United) leader KC Tyagi yesterday met the TMC supremo at her office in Kolkata.

The Janata Dal (United), which is said to be upset over Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi's elevation as the chairman of campaign committee for 2014, is planning to end its 18-year alliance with the BJP.

JD (U) has 118 MLAs in 243-member Bihar assembly and needs the support of only four more MLAs to reach the magic figure.

There are 91 MLAS from BJP, 21 from RJD and one each from LJP and CPI in the state assembly.