With poll fever catching up with political parties much ahead of the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, NDA alliance partner JD(U) has apparently begun positioning itself as a possible leader of the regional parties, while showing signs of distancing from the BJP’s hardline position to attack the UPA government.
Sources within the JD (U) said that the party’s willingness to discuss the FDI in multi-brand retail under rule 193, which entails no voting, is a clear indication that the party was looking at an opportunity to strike a chord with other regional parties who are not so keen to destabilise the UPA government. JD(U) chief Sharad Yadav has been reiterating for over a month that the Winter Session of Parliament would run smoothly even though the Opposition BJP is looking to further corner the UPA government.
“Within the JD(U), there is an assessment that the next Lok Sabha elections could throw a fractured mandate. Therefore, the JD(U) will like to have an independent stand over issues in the Winter Session of Parliament with thrust on solidarity with other regional parties. It is very much likely that a non-Congress and non-BJP front could come forth,” said a senior JD (U) functionary.
Sources said the JD(U) is closely watching the internal development within the BJP and its impact on the leadership issue of the saffron party. “There is no clarity as of now on the leadership issue within the BJP. After the Gujarat polls, we will watch if the BJP gets behind Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi or opts for a leader amenable to us,” added the JD(U) functionary. While Mr Yadav has maintained the NDA would remain united, sources within the JD(U) said there is increasing discomfort within the party over lack of clarity within the BJP over the leadership issue. “Everyone is talking about the LS polls, so we will like to see clarity over leadership issue within the BJP.”