Patna, April 7: In contrast to BJP’s prime ministerial candidate L K Advani’s poll strategy, coalition partner JD(U) wants the NDA to project “Bihar model of development” and not Narendra Modi’s “Gujarat model”, for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

The assertion from the JD(U) — a crucial component of the NDA — comes close on the heels of a statement by Advani that NDA would adopt the “Gujarat model” as its poll plank. Though the differing assertion did not come directly from Chief Minister Nitish Kumar — heading the NDA Government in Bihar — but the man who raised the issue, party spokesman and MP Shivanand Tiwary, is known to be his confidant. Talking to reporters, Tiwary said that the Bihar model was a more potent election plank than Gujarat, as it represents peaceful coexistence of all sections of the society. “Bihar under Nitish Kumar has turned into a symbol of harmonious existence of all castes and communities as well as good governance and development. Adopting the Bihar model as its poll plank will be beneficial for the NDA”, Tiwary asserted.

Asked as to why the JD(U) was opposed to the Gujarat model of development, Tiwary quickly added that he was in no way criticising it but only trying to underline that Bihar was fast emerging as a model state in every respect. Though the leader refrained from taking the name of any BJP leader, he made it amply clear that the JD(U) continues to distance itself from the Narendra Modi brand of politics.

Lauding the leadership of Nitish Kumar, he said that under him Bihar was on the path of development and would soon surpass many other states. “Bihar’s story is very different from Gujarat. While Gujarat had better development indices when Narendra Modi took over, the Bihar that Nitish Kumar got was completely in the dark ages. Now everybody is talking about the transformation and Bihar has emerged as an example before the country”, Tiwary stated. Predicting the defeat of the UPA Government, he said that apart from failing on all fronts, spiralling inflation would wipe off the Congress and its allies in the Lok Sabha polls.