Modi is back in Bihar.The breaking away of one of their most credible faces shows yet again the Congress’ inability to act as the mediator.The NDA steals the moral high ground. And it marks the embrace of two men, who, till four years ago, could not stand each other.
Narendra Modi and Nitish Kumar are the new best friends of Indian politics.
Nitish, though Lalu was a laibility, slowly, opened the doors for the BJP. His support for demonetisation, silence on Yogi Adityanath’s appointment or the support Ram Nath Kovind constituted a pattern.
At the national level, the opposition alliance showed no signs of taking off. He had always been clear that Congress would have to play a key role in this grand alliance. But its leadership was disappointing; its ability to challenge Modi was weak.
The result is two of India’s sharpest politicians have come together. Narendra Modi and Nitish Kumar have embraced. And a partnership-turned-rivalry-turned friendship is renewed.
U.Srinivas
Editor
