From Bengal, UP, Nitish Kumar Gets Positive Vibes On Opposition Unity

"I'm with you in this endeavour to oust the BJP (from power) and save the nation," said Akhilesh Yadav

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's round one of talks with two opposition leaders most outspoken against the Congress, drew a score of Perfect 10 today. Both Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav have agreed in principle about the need to stop the BJP and the unity and cohesiveness needed to bring it about.

With Ms Banerjee, the leader known for her fiery temperament, Mr Kumar reached an understanding that there is "no ego clash" and no issues "if thought, vision, and mission are clear". With Akhilesh Yadav, he invoked the 'old school tie' of the JP Movement.

While opening the press conference, Akhilesh Yadav was emphatic. "I'm with you in this endeavour to oust the BJP (from power) and save the nation," said the former Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, flanked by Mr Kumar and his deputy Tejashwi Yadav.

"Bihar and Uttar Pradesh are always together... We are Samajwadis. We share a history," Mr Kumar said at the press conference, sitting next to Akhilesh Yadav.  Mr Yadav's late father Mulayam Singh Yadav had cut his political teeth on the Samajwadi movement along with Mr Kumar and his ally and Rashtriya Janata Dal patriarch Lalu Yadav.