The political parties from Bihar — Lalu Prasad’s Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), chief minister Nitish Kumar’s Janata Dal United (JDU), and CPI(ML) — which participated in the Opposition unity meet at Bangalore on Tuesday expressed hope and enthusiasm over the new alliance, Indian National Democratic Inclusive Alliance (INDIA).

Calling it the need of the hour, they asserted that 99 per cent people of the state and the country were with the newfound unity and it would overthrow the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) at the Centre just like the Grand Alliance did in Bihar.

“We have to save the country and democracy. We have to protect the farmers, labourers, youths and minorities in all circumstances. Everything is being destroyed in the rule of Prime Minister Narendra Modi,” RJD president Lalu Prasad said in Bangalore.

Lalu’s younger son and Bihar deputy chief minister Tejashwi Prasad Yadav echoed his words.

“We all have come together to save our country’s democracy, Constitution, harmony and diversity. Constitutional institutions are being misused and national assets are being sold. The poisonous talks that originate from Nagpur (read RSS headquarters) are being spread instead of discussing the issues pertaining to farmers, youth and inflation in the country. We now strongly stand united,” Tejashwi said.

Lalu, Tejashwi and their family have borne the brunt of various cases being registered against them by the CBI, Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the income tax department in the last couple of years, as well as, ensuing searches and questioning.