But unlike in the case of Pranab Mukherjee’s candidature for the post of President, in which JD(U) never consulted NDA, this time Nitish is talking about taking the alliance partners into confidence.

However, political observers are of the view that  if Nitish decides to support Hamid Ansari, it will fuel speculation about his party and Congress coming closer.

This may rattle both the BJP and RJD––the latter because of its proximity to the Congress.   

However, Nitish, has been doing everything to dispel the impression of any political link up of JD(U) with Congress.

“Congress does not even need our support to ensure the victory of Ansari, the electoral college in case of the vice-presidential election is smaller, compared to the presidential poll," he said.

As reported Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had called up Nitish to solicit his support for Ansari, but the latter declined to give any firm assurance, saying the matter will have to be first discussed among NDA allies. Even on backing Mukherjee, JD(U) had said the support should not be construed as one meant for the UPA presidential candidate.

Reports said that Pranab, who has been touring different state capitals for soliciting support, did not visit Patna, just to make sure that it did not cause any political inconvenience to Nitish. But the state Congress leaders are quite upbeat overt this development.