NDA allies caution BJP

The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) allies LJP and Akali Dal on Friday cautioned the BJP, saying the 2019 Lok Sabha elections could take a difficult turn.

Chirag Paswan, an Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) MP and son of Union minister Ramvilas Paswan, said that allies were upset and if it is not addressed, the Lok Sabha polls could be a difficult game.

He said Uttar Pradesh bypoll results, especially Gorakhpur being home turf of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is a cause of worry. "The NDA, specifically BJP, needs to re-work strategy, more so when you have a huge majority both in UP and the Centre," he told reporters in Parliament House.

Later he tweeted, "the essence of wisdom is timely preparation. Perhaps an assessment of why despite noble intentions and a leadership like that of PM Modi, we have slipped slightly in the Hindi Heartland. Concerned as our commitment to NDA ideals remain unwavering."

His comments came against the backdrop of TDP pulling out of the NDA and the Shiv Sena making ground for leaving the alliance. Jiten Ram Manjhi's Hindustani Awam Morcha had recently walked out of the NDA.

Akali Dal senior MP Naresh Gujral said, "the government can still get the TDP back if the BJP leadership considers the demands of Chandrababu Naidu. Regional parties had played a crucial role in the BJP's victory in 2014, but now they are being ignored."

However, he said the Akali Dal will continue its alliance with the BJP in Punjab as it is not only on a political alliance but also a social alliance. "We do not want any complication in the Hindu-Sikh brotherhood and for that, this alliance is very important," he added.