PATNA: Amid rumours of a rift between ruling JD(U) and
BJP after Arunchal Pradesh episode, senior leaders of the saffron party, including its national general secretary
Bhupender Yadav and two deputy CMs, met CM
Nitish Kumar and recently-appointed JD(U) national president RCP Singh on Thursday.
BJP’s state president Dr Sanjay Jaiswal also accompanied Yadav in the meeting with RCP at JD(U)’s state headquarters here.
Asked about
cabinet expansion, Bhupendra told reporters that it will happen at the right time. “Top leadership of BJP is in touch with the CM. A decision will be taken at the right time,” he said.
RCP, on the other hand, said, “Cabinet expansion is not a big issue. We are in constant communication. The CM has special powers on this matter and a decision will be taken after talking to all
NDA allies.”
Bhupender said he met RCP to congratulate him on behalf of the BJP. “He has a long administrative and organisational experience. RCP also follows the politics of Ram Manohar Lohia,” he said. BJP’s Rajya Sabha MP also lauded the state government for announcing free
Covid vaccine to everyone. The state cabinet, in its meeting held on December 15, had resolved to give free vaccination to everyone in the state against Covid-19 virus.
“The kind of strong determination being shown by the state government under the leadership of Nitish Kumar is commendable.
Bihar government was the first in the country to take such a decision,” Bhupender said.
He added, “The groundwork for Covid vaccination has been initiated and we (BJP) are committed to fulfil our election promise.”
Asked about reported demand for an MLC seat and a berth in the state cabinet by Jitan Ram Manjhi-led HAM (S), RCP said, “All these issues will be sorted out through discussion among the four NDA allies.”
After meeting RCP, Bhupender called on the CM in the evening along with deputy CMs Tarkishore Prasad and Renu Devi.