'Alliance intact, Lalu and Nitish to remain together'

As Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led NDA government is going to complete its three years in office on May 26, the stage has already been set for 2019 generation elections. According to experts, the Income Tax department raids on leaders of the opposition parties such as P Chidambaram's son Karti and Lalu Prasad Yadav are some of the glimpses of arm-twisting moves of the ruling government. "In the case of raids on Lalu, the message is very clear. It wouldn't go wrong if one says that the raids are a move to sabotage the clean image of Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, who is considered to be the key contender for the Prime Minister's post in 2019," said noted political commentator Arvind Mohan.

"The raids on Lalu would not affect the alliance. It will remain as it is and there are valid reasons for it. Both, Nitish and Lalu know it very well that till they are united, they have better prospects in near future," he said, adding that the raids wouldn't even work in favour of the ruling party as it is not going to help them in the upcoming Presidential election or next general elections.

Agreeing with Mohan, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) spokesperson Manoj Jha told Millennium Post that the alliance is intact. Explaining about the tweet of Lalu that raised doubts over the future of the Grand Alliance, Jha said, "The tweet of RJD chief congratulating BJP for having new alliance partner was about IT and ED as new partners. It was nothing to do with ally partners of Mahagathbandhan. The alliance will continue forever."

Soon after the news of Lalu congratulating BJP hit the headlines, the RJD leader posted another tweet to clarify that 'Mahaghatbandhan' was intact. "Do not be very happy. We are yet to unite with like-minded ideological units. I am not scared of BJP or its supporters," he said.

Accusing the BJP of misusing central agencies, Lalu in his tweets said that he would continue his fight against fascist forces. "The BJP is not brave enough to silence Lalu Yadav. If you stifle one Lalu's voice, crores of Lalu Yadav will emerge across the country. I am not scared of anyone," he said.

Nitish Kumar has also rubbished the charges of BJP levelled against Lalu saying that if the BJP has proof, it should take legal action.