JD-U to pass resolution to join NDA

New Delhi, Aug 16 (IANS) Days after it formed government in Bihar with the BJP, the Janata Dal-United on Wednesday said it will join the NDA, and the party would pass a resolution to the effect on August 19.

"During our party's executive meeting a resolution will be passed to join the NDA," party general secretary K.C. Tyagi told reporters here at a press conference.

He said that during Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's recent visit to Delhi, BJP chief Amit Shah had extended an invitation to join the NDA.

He said that during its August 19 meeting, to be held in Patna, the party would explain why it quit the Grand Alliance of RJD and Congress in Bihar to join the BJP.

Nitish Kumar had on July 26 resigned as Chief Minister of Bihar, dumping the 20-month-old Grand Alliance and on July 27, he formed government with the support of BJP.

Tyagi, who is also a Rajya Sabha member, said that Nitish Kumar had apprised Prime Minister Narendra Modi about the state's aspiration for a special package.

"During his meeting with Modiji on August 11, he apprised him about the demand of Rs 2.75 lakh crore for the state," he said.

To discuss the package for Bihar, Nitish Kumar would come to Delhi between August 25-30 for two to three days, he said.

Already several departments are forwarding their proposal for the state.

He said that Nitish Kumar has demanded Rs 78,000 crore for roads and drains, Rs 55,600 crore for electricity, Rs 49,800 crore for youth empowerment, Rs 28,700 crore for toilets and Rs 10,300 crore for improving the higher education system in the state.

Asked about former party president Sharad Yadav holding a Save Composite Culture gathering on August 17, he said, "We still want Sharadji to take part in the party's meeting in Patna on August 19."

He also said that no resolution has been brought in the party to suspend Sharad Yadav.