JD(U) Election symbol: Nitish wins the "arrow"
In a jolt to rebel leader Sharad Yadav, the EC has granted the election symbol "arrow" to the JD(U) faction led by Bihar CM Nitish Kumar. Further, it stated that the Nitish-faction is the "real" JD(U). In its order, the EC said the Nitish-faction has "overwhelming majority support" in the legislature and in the party's National Council, which is JD(U)'s apex organizational body.
After breaking-up with Nitish, Sharad had staked claim to symbol
Sharad is one of the founding members of JD(U). The Nitish-Sharad duo won power in Bihar by forming a Mahagathbandhan with Lalu and Congress in 2015. However, after Lalu got embroiled in corruption cases, Nitish joined the NDA. Subsequently, Sharad rebelled against Nitish, citing ideological differences with the BJP. Sharad said his faction was the real JD(U) and staked claim to the party symbol.
How did the JD(U) symbol case proceed?
In August'17, the Sharad-faction approached EC staking claim over the "arrow"; they insisted that majority of National Council members were with them. Subsequently, the Nitish-faction's delegation, including RS-MP CP Singh and JD(U) general secretary KC Tyagi submitted affidavits of leaders/officer-bearers placing their faith in Nitish.
Now, what does this loss mean for Sharad Yadav?
Now, what does this mean for Sharad? After EC's decision, Sharad will have to use the Congress symbol or field his candidates as independents. For the upcoming Gujarat elections, Sharad has aligned with Congress. His faction includes tribal leader Chotubhai Vasava, who is in talks with Congress to field 20 supporters. With his disqualification from RS also looming large, Sharad has to redefine himself.
