By Afroz Alam Sahil, TwoCircles.net
Patna: Even though Sunday morning started with crackers going off at BJP offices in Delhi and Patna based on the first forecasts, it was soon clear that the day belonged to the Grand Aliance of JD(U), RJD and Congress. As early as 10.30 am, the results were revealed to one and all. Nitish Kumar was set to return as the Chief Minister for a third stint. But this was never in doubt; the political circles were now discussing who his deputy would be. They also believed clear that given the rising intolerance in the country, such a win was indeed welcome.
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In such a scenario, it is being understood that the name of Abdul Bari Siddiqui, senior leader of the RJD, is being promoted as the ideal candidate for the role of Deputy CM. Although the news is of course, not confirmed, it is being said that given his seniority in the party, he might be best suited to the post of deputy CM.
As early as 2005, his name did the rounds in political corridors, when Ram Vilas Paswan had mentioned the state having a Muslim Chief Minister. To make matters more interesting, even Siddiqui has presented his claim: he had said if Jeetan Ram Manjhi could become CM, why cannot me?
Siddiqui’s name was not the only one floated around for the post of deputy CM: Laloo’s sons were rumoured to be taking that post, but Laloo denied this on TV channels, indicating that they will spend time learning politics.
Siddiqui started his political journey in 1977, winning a seat in the Legislative Assembly from Bahera. In 1995, he became an MLA again from Alinagar, before repeating the same feat in 2000, 2005 2010. This year, he beat Misri Lal Yadav of BJP Misri Lal Yadav by 13,460 votes.