"Same Share That...": Nitish Kumar's Sulking Aide Recalls A 1994 Challenge

Upendra Kushwaha insisted that Nitish Kumar was no longer able to exercise his own volition, resulting in JD(U)'s vulnerability.

Disgruntled JD(U) parliamentary board chief Upendra Kushwaha Tuesday likened his rebellion to the challenge Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar had thrown to RJD president Lalu Yadav three decades ago.

Talking to reporters in Patna, the recalcitrant leader maintained that he had "boundless reverence" (agaadh shraddha) for Mr Kumar but insisted that the septuagenarian was no longer able to exercise his own volition, resulting in JD(U)'s vulnerability.

"I have been asked to clarify what I meant by claiming my own share (hissa) in the party. I am doing that today", Mr Kushwaha, a former Union minister, said with rhetorical flourish.

"I am speaking of the same share that Nitish Kumar had demanded at the famous rally of 1994 when Lalu Yadav was reluctant to give our leader his due," he said.