Patna, May 1: Known as the alliance of extremes ever since they first sealed the BJP-JD(U) pact in Bihar, the two parties have differed on a wide range of issues, particularly the Article 370, Article 35-A, Uniform Civil Code and Ayodhya land dispute. Their difference, despite being on the same page, was visible once again on Tuesday, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the Vande Mataram chants at Darbhanga rally.

JD(U) chief and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar refrained from joining the Vande Mataram chorus, despite another NDA ally, Ram Vilas Paswan, chanting the slogan vociferously beside him. 'Vande Mataram For Burial Land': Giriraj Singh Booked For Violating Model Code of Conduct

In the video going viral, PM Modi is seen ending his rally in his routine manner, with raising of hands and chanting of slogans. Nitish, who appeared disinterested, could be seen sitting quiet throughout.

Watch Video of Nitish's Silence Amid PM's Vande Mataram Chants:

The video stills showing Nitish's silence speak a thousand words amid reports alleging "not all is well" within the Bihar NDA. Weeks earlier, RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav's wife Rabri Devi claimed that her husband was approached by top Nitish aide Prashant Kishor ahead of the elections, offering to re-enter the grand alliance. The JD(U) has, however, denied her claims.

Notably, Nitish had left the NDA in 2013, when Narendra Modi was projected as the prime ministerial candidate. In the ensuing Lok Sabha polls, his party was reduced to only 2 parliamentary constituencies. He aligned forces with Lalu, a foe for nearly 2 decades, and defeated the BJP in 2015 assembly elections. 17 months later, however, he parted ways from the secular camp and entered into the saffron coalition again.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on May 01, 2019 01:44 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).