Nitish-Modi handshake shakes up Bihar politics!
Patna: even as RJD leader Laloo Yadav attacked CM Nitish Kumar for having committed the act of shaking hands with the Gujarat CM Narendra Modi, there is some further furor created by the BJP minister Sushil Kr Choubey who read signs of a thaw if not friendliness in Nitish’s gesture. This is clearly a case of over-interpretation when grave meanings are seen in tiny gestures. Thankfully, the press does not report on smiles shared by the politicians across parties or else, political reporting in the country would go altogether haywire with its paranoid readings of handshakes, smiles, winks and hugs. Henceforth, Nitish is advised by Bihardays to stare at the wall a few feet above Narendra Modi every time he encounters him. Or else look through him, as if Modi in all his reality did not exist, despite the latest damaging report on his culpability by the amicus curiae appointed by the Supreme Court.
A recent report mentions another big ring of ripples, however – ruling JD(U)in Bihar on Monday has now strongly objected to the alliance minister and BJP leader Aswini Choubey’s statement that ‘Bihar stands solidly stood behind Narendra Modi for his candidature for the post of prime minister’ and said BJP should clairify whether it was the ministers’ personal view.
“We have strong objections to the statement of Health Minister Choubey that Narendra Modi should come forward as a prime ministerial candidate as entire Bihar is with him,” JD(U) spokesperson Sanjay Singh said here.
“It is a matter to be decided by the people of Bihar and not by Choubey,” Singh said and wondered how Choubey had gained support to make such statement in Surar yesterday.
“It is a ridiculous statement”, Singh said and asked BJP to explain whether Choubey’s statement was that of the BJP or his (Choubey’s) personal view.”
“BJP should clarify its stand as it will adversely impact its relations with JD(U),” he said.
Perhaps Narendra Modi’s PR ought to advise him not to hug or shake hands with people, including politicians, avoiding all forms of human contact, since it tends to send down a chilling sensation, rather than the intended warmth! Also, the slovenly Indian habit of holding a shaking hand far too long may cause a singing short circuit instead of leaving pleasant memories of the contact.