Speculation rife after RLSP chief meets Nitish

Patna: Rashtriya Lok Samata Party (RLSP) president Upendra Kushwaha reportedly held a secret meeting with Chief Minister Nitish Kumar.

The meeting on December 2 has given rise to speculations about a new political equation in the state, sources say. Experts believe that Kushwaha may add to Nitish's political heft.

With 74 seats, BJP has the upper hand despite Nitish Kumar being the CM. On the other hand, JD-U is politically weak in the current NDA government with just 43 seats.

Sources say Nitish could hobnob with his old partners to strengthen his position in Bihar. It is a similar situation where LJP was against JDU and favouring BJP during Assembly elections.

Kushwaha, however, said that meeting with CM is not a "crime". He has old friendship with him.

"Nitish Kumar is like my elder brother, " He said. 

Meanwhile, the RLSP chief criticised Narendra Modi government for not rolling back three farm laws causing agitation across the country.

"The three laws pertains to agriculture sector, will destroy small farmers and benefit corporates. It has huge consequences in later states. Hence, we lended support to the farmers' Bharat Band call," Kushwaha said.

"There is a possibility of new political equation in Bihar after both the leaders met on December 2. Upendra Kushwaha and CM Nitish Kumar have worked together in the past and if NDA government will work on the line of social justice and welfare of the people of Bihar, we will go with it," Bhola Sharma, official spokesperson of RLSP said.

IANS report with edits