Alliance with Nitish Kumar not binding: BJP

Patna: A day after Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar snubbed the BJP over publication of his pictures alongside that of his Gujarat counterpart in party's advertisements, an infuriated BJP struck back at the Janata Dal (United) leader saying his comments against Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi were uncalled for.

The party, which is holding is national executive meet in Patna, warned Nitish Kumar's party that the alliance between it and the JD (U) was not a binding one.

"The tie-up with Nitish Kumar is not binding upon the BJP. Nitish Kumar has insulted BJP by reacting so harshly," said Giriraj Singh, BJP minister in Nitish Kumar's government.

Sources say Modi was very upset over Nitish's snub and there was a question mark over whether he'd stay back for the second day of the BJP national executive.

Sources also say that Modi was on the verge of leaving Patna for Gandhinagar on Saturday evening but was prevailed over by the party's top leadership

It has now made Narendra Modi its main speaker at the planned rally in Patna on Sunday afternoon. It aims to show the party's strength prior to the state assembly elections due later this year.

JD(U) downplays the rift

Meanwhile, Nitish Kumar's party on Sunday downplayed the issue saying that the alliance and relationship between it and the BJP is quite old.

"Our alliance and relationship is quite old...An unpleasant incident took place yesterday. It has passed...," JD(U) President Sharad Yadav told PTI.

He, however said that it was customary to take permission from the head of the state -- whether it was the Prime Minister or the Chief Minister -- before their name or photograph appeared in advertisements.

"The way the posters came up was not proper as the party (JD-U) was not consulted. The party had raised objections to that," Yadav said, adding that an inquiry had been instituted to clear the situation.

He said the party has no reason to disbelieve the version of BJP which says the advertisement was given by an agency.

Yadav also tried to put to rest speculation about the tie-up between BJP and JD(U), saying the "relations between the two parties is quite old".

(With PTI inputs)