First note of dissent surfaces in JD(U)

JD(U) Member of Parliament Ali Anwar looked crestfallen on Thursday. Although he was troubled by the differences between Nitish Kumar and Lalu Prasad Yadav in Bihar, he clearly had not expected the Bihar Chief Minister to switch sides so dramatically and embrace the BJP again.

Having campaigned tirelessly for Nitish Kumar in 2005 as well as in 2015, especially among Pasmanda (Backward) Muslims, the Rajya Sabha Member admitted to be in a state of shock. He agreed to answer a few questions on the political upheaval in Bihar.

His reaction to Nitish Kumar’s overnight somersault

It is nothing short of a political calamity. Nitish Kumar was emerging as an alternative to Modi. He was the leader on whom not only the people of Bihar had put their faith but he was also seen as a potential replacement for Narendra Modi nationally. That is why I fail to understand why Nitish chose to join hands with BJP again when Narendra Modi’s popularity is on decline. He certainly would be better placed to explain. But he has joined Modi at a time of agrarian distress, continuing suicides by farmers, lynching and murder of Muslims, Dalits being targeted and corruption charges surfacing against several BJP governments and leaders as well.

On fissures within the Grand Alliance

There certainly were several contentious issues and differences of opinion within the alliance but this is expected in any alliance. But Nitish Kumar was by far the unquestioned leader of the alliance and his position was unassailable. People of this country were looking at him with hope that he would lead the fight against the regressive Modi regime. But he has belied such hope under a pretext which is difficult to swallow. Had there been issues within the alliance, they could and indeed should have been resolved through dialogue and discussions within the alliance.

On consensus within the party on aligning with BJP

First of all, this is against political morality and against the mandate given by the people of Bihar. And what is being described as consensus is the opinion of a coterie. Unfortunately, most political parties are run these days by one or two leaders. In this case also, I believe, there was no discussion on aligning with BJP. The National Executive and the National Council of the party are the two highest decision making bodies of the party. But in neither of these bodies was the issue of aligning with BJP or the problems within the Alliance discussed. Then how can his coterie claim that his decision has the support of the party? All talk of consensus is a farce.

Meeting of the National Council, which was scheduled on July 23 was postponed. I was invited for the meeting, and I had planned that I would raise these concerns. But, no one called me after the postponement.

On his next step

If Nitish Ji, on the call of his inner voice, can join BJP, I too must follow my conscience and declare that I will not become a part of the JD(U)’s alliance with the BJP. My conscience does not allow me to join communal forces.

It hurts me. It saddens me beyond words. I have a long association with Nitish Kumar. I respect him a lot. Let me tell you that at the cost of Lalu Yadav’s displeasure, I joined forces with him. I joined him at a time when Muslims were not ready to stand beside him. He was not trusted by Muslims. I was the first person from the Muslim community in Bihar to approve of his politics, to stand with him. He should remember that we were given a mandate against Narendra Modi in the Assembly election in Bihar.

On raising these issues within the party

I was biding for the eight opportunity. Next month our national executive is going to meet. Though there is now no point in raising all these issues, as he has already formed the government with help of the BJP, I will say what I must.

On his future in JD(U)

Whether I resign or get expelled from the party is not for me to decide at this point. It will be their decision, how they want me to leave the party. If a party claims to be democratic then it should give space to ‘voices of dissent.’ I leave it to them. They will have to take the call on what they want to do with me.

On Opposition unity

It is a huge setback to anti-Modi forces/Opposition. I am not talking about Bihar alone. It is not only Bihar’s loss. Repercussions will be seen and felt in national politics also. All those who believe in secularism, democracy and, liberal and modern values are feeling let down and disheartened.

Role of the Congress

Role of the Congress should also be questioned. For the breakup of the alliance, Nitish Kumar should be blamed but other partners also bear the responsibility. Congress could have saved the alliance. Being a big brother, it was Congress’ responsibility to salvage the alliance but it failed. I believe, its leadership did not react in time. Seems no serious efforts were made to save the alliance.