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Patna : The JD(U)’s decision to support NDA’s presidential candidate Ram Nath Kovind is a shattering blow to the opposition unity move for the ensuing poll scheduled for July 19. JD(U) Secretary General K C Tyagi made a formal announcement to this effect on June 21, 2017.
Tyagi said that the issue was discussed with party MLAs her and it was decided to support Kovind. The JD(U) MLAs were of the opinion that Kovind is a good man and had a non-controversial stint as Governor of Bihar, Tyagi said. He, however, said his party would continue to work for opposition unity. The JD(U)’ s decision to support NDA nominee for the Presidential poll Kovind should be seen in isolation, he said.
With 71 MLA and two MPs, the JD(U) has substantial vote in terms of first preference votes. Bihar CM and JD(U) national president Nitish Kumar had visited Raj Bhavan on June 19 to congratulate Kovind for his selection as NDA nominee for the post of President of India. Nitish had also praised his tenure as Bihar governor.
Its decision to back Kovind has come as a setback to the Congress and Left parties which are keen to put up a strong fight in the presidential contest due to ideological differences with the BJP. The
In 2012 too, the JD(U) had thrown a surprise in presidential polls by going against its allies the BJP. In 2012, it had supported Congress led UPA’s presidential candidate Pranab Mukherjee ignoring the then coalition partner BJP’s pick P A Sangma for the post. Earlier, Bihar CM Nitish Kumar had strongly supported demonetisation announced by PM Narendra Modi on November 8, 2016. Nitish had also supported surgical strike against Pakistan. JD(U)’s support to Kovind is considered a clever move by Nitish to consolidate his dalit and maha-dalit vote base in Bihar.
The RJD, however, said Nitish Kumar’s decision to support Kovind would not have any impact on the health of the grand alliance government in Bihar.It said that the Shiv Sena, an old ally of BJP, had supported UPA candidate Pratibha Devi Singh Patil in 2007 presidential polls.