Lalu in a dilemma over supporting Nitish Kumar

Two days after former chief minister Nitish Kumar sought his arch-rival Lalu Prasad’s support for the JD (U) candidates in the Rajya Sabha bypolls, the RJD president has kept everyone guessing by keeping all cards close to his chest. 

It is believed  Lalu is in a dilemma as he does not want to be seen as the man who bailed out a person who dethroned him in 2005. On the other hand, by not supporting JD (U), Lalu also does not want to be part of the BJP’s larger game plan which wants the Manjhi government to fall and have fresh elections held.  

Nitish, who is under pressure due to stiff resistance put up by the rebels has sought Congress, CPI and the RJD’s support in the Rajya Sabha by-election, which was necessitated following seats vacated by Rajiv Pratap Rudy, Ram Vilas Paswan and Ram Kripal Yadav, all of whom won the Lok Sabha elections. 

One RS seat has gone to JD (U) president Sharad Yadav, who was elected unopposed.Lalu’s dilemma stems from the fact there is no unanimity even within his party over extending support to Nitish. Many of his close associates, including some sitting party legislators, were reportedly against RJD bailing out Nitish in this hour of crisis. 

“Nitish ke ghar mein aag lagi hai, aur RJD se ummeed ki ja rahi hai ki woh damkal ka kaam karein. (Nitish’s house has been set on fire and it is being expected that RJD works as a fire brigade to douse the flames),” said Lalu when asked whether he would come to the rescue of his old friend Nitish who severed ties with him 20 years back.