Bharatiya Janata Party senior leader L K Advani participated in the campaign for the Bihar assembly polls by addressing an election rally in Motihari in East Champaran district on Tuesday.
Advani urged the voters to give another chance to the National Democratic Allianve government led by Nitish Kumar in Bihar. "I appeal to voters to give another term to the NDA government in Bihar," Advani said.
He described Bihar Chief Minister and Janata Dal United leader Nitish Kumar as an able person to govern Bihar. He also launched a scathing attack on the Congress, saying it was responsible for the backwardness of Bihar.
Advani had been reportedly asked to refrain from campaigning in Muslim-populated areas like Seemachal belt of Kishanganj, Purnea, Araria and Katihar, which are going to polls during the first phase of the Bihar elections. Though such reports were not officially confirmed, BJP leaders were reluctant to reveal why the party's senior-most leader was not invited to campaign till now.
JD-U leaders have expressed apprehension that in the wake of the verdict on the Ayodhya title suit, Advani's presence may adversely affect the ruling National Democratic Alliance's chances, particularly in the sensitive Seemachal belt.
"Advani symbolises the demolition of the Babri Masjid and his presence during the campaign can be counter-productive. It is likely to give advantage to rivals like the Rashtriya Janata Dal-Lok Janshakti Party combine and the Congress by driving Muslim voters into their fold," said a JD-U leader.
The BJP is contesting 102 seats and the JD-U 141 of the 243 assembly seats going to polls from October 21 to November 20 in Bihar.
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