BJP-JD(U) rift comes to the fore again, now over officials’ transfers

PATNA: As the Chief Minister’s Office stayed the transfer of 149 circle officers (COs) made earlier by Bihar revenue and land reforms department (RLRD) minister Ram Surat Rai, the latter has adopted a strong posture on the issue, leading to the reappearance of the rift between NDA allies BJP and JD(U).
BJP, however, went into damage-control mode on Sunday as deputy CM Tarkishore Prasad, who was on his way to Darbhanga, met Rai at his Bochaha residence in Muzaffapur district of Bihar and had an in-camera discussion with him for more than an hour.
Soon after the meeting, state BJP spokesman Arvind Singh said, “Rai is not at all annoyed. A solution to the problem will be found. CM Nitish Kumar himself will find the solution.”
For BJP, nipping the bud immediately was of utmost importance since PM Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit Patna on July 12 in connection with the centenary celebration of the state legislature building. Also, since the presidential election is due on July 18, BJP cannot afford to have any open or behind-the-scene rift with JD(U).
“The post of a minister is not the paternal property of anyone. My sentiments have definitely been hurt . I will not mind quitting the post,” Rai had said in Muzaffarpur on Saturday.
State Congress MLC and the party’s media department head Prem Chandra Mishra said Rai should resign on his own, because the transfers made by him reeked of corruption.