The knack of the old socialist warhorse to conduct such a clever and smooth operation has been appreciated by all but the BJP has never trusted the leader fully ever since, if reports from the state are an indication. The BJP has always been ready with a plan B in case Mr Kumar chooses to return to his socialist secular moorings

xPrime Minister Narendra Modi’s declaration last week that the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) will seek a re-election in Bihar under the leadership of Janata dal (United) leader and incumbent chief minister Nitish Kumar has come as a response to the taunt by the Opposition leader Tejashwi Yadav asking who will be the chief ministerial face of the ruling alliance but it also seeks to soothe the frayed nerves within the chief minister’s party and assuage feeling

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