JD(U) says no to anti-BJP rally, tiff escalates
What's the story
The tiff between both JD(U) and RJD escalated further after the former refused to join Lalu's anti-BJP rally.
Lalu Yadav's 'BJP hatao, desh bachao' rally which is slated for August 27 will not see Nitish Kumar in attendance which fuels uncertainty in the 'Mahagatbandhan'.
The aim of the rally is to unite the opposition to take on BJP-led NDA in 2019 general election.
Information
When did the tension start brewing between RJD and JD(U)?
Widened tension between both political parties started after JD(U) backed NDA presidential candidate Ramnath Kovind instead of Opposition's candidate Meira Kumar. Apart from this, Nitish Kumar sent out his emissary for the midnight rollout of GST in Parliament, which was opposed by RJD and Congress.
JD(U) clears the air
Not joining RJD's rally? JD(U) has its reason
JD(U)'s national general secretary Shyam Rajak cleared the stance of the former not joining RJD's rally stating that the rally isn't by alliance. Justifying its decision to steer clear of the anti-BJP rally, Rajak said this won't affect the JD(U)-RJD alliance.
Rajak also said that if Nitish Kumar got an invite to the rally, he would be the one to decide further.
Conclusion
Who all are set to join RJD's rally?
Reportedly, Congress President Sonia Gandhi, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik, Samajwadi Party's Akhilesh Yadav will attend the rally.
Former Haryana CM Om Prakash Chautala, former PM HD Deve Gowda would attend the rally too alongwith Bahujan Samaj Party chief Mayawati.
RJD President Lalu Yadav has convened a meeting in Patna on July 5 to review preparations for the rally.