Muzaffarpur: Defying intelligence warning that a human bomb in the shape of a pregnant woman is likely to make an attempt on his life, Narendra Modi addressed the Bihar rally, sharing the limelight with Ram Vilas Baswan. The venue, Muzaffarpur, was all set for the rally that brought the two leaders after a span of 12 years. But conspicuous was the absence of Bihar BJP leaders, sending signals that all is not well with the alliance. Â
In Bihar, the most happening state, Rahul Gandhi is eyeing alliance with Nitish Kumar, in view of the ultimatum which Lalu Prasad has issued and later withdrawn. Rahul thinks Lalu could be a liability when Congress fortunes are at the lowest ebb. But Sonia Gandhi seems to have a soft corner for Lalu, a faithful ally over the years. Will it be Rahul proposes, Sonia disposes?
Equations are changing fast in Bihar. Paswan may not add much to BJP’s tally, but indeed Paswan will not be wiped out of relevance in Bihar politics. There is undeniable proof on the ground that Modi has gained a foothold in his enemy camp – Nitish Kumar’s Bihar – but is not substantial to destabilise Nitish in Bihar. There is discontent in Bihar, and Kejriwal’s AAP has not yet entered Bihar. The discontented will rally around Modi, and Paswan might benefit from it.  Â