Patna, Sept. 27: Rahul Gandhi’s statement on the ordinance on tainted politicians created ripples in political circles here.

The RJD, which had been a staunch supporter of Rahul, took potshots at him. But chief minister Nitish Kumar, who had once said that Rahul had a lot to learn about politics, praised the Congress vice-president’s comment. He said: “Backdoor entry through ordinance is never desirable. There are divergent views on this. Our party always supports healthy debate. As regards Rahul’s stand, it appears okay with me.”

Another senior JD(U) leader said: “It has become clear which partner the Congress prefers as an ally in the Lok Sabha polls.”

RJD legislature party leader Abdul Bari Siddiqui slammed Rahul’s comment. “Rahul Gandhi is the PM-in-waiting. I fail to understand why he did not came out in public against the ordinance when it was brought in the cabinet. He didn’t even react when the Union cabinet approved it and today he, suddenly comes and expresses his reservation,” he said.

“If Rahul Gandhi was not informed about this development then there is lack of communication between the party and the government. If the ordinance is taken back, it will prove that the government is on one side and Rahul Gandhi on another. Nitish is supporting Rahul’s stand for his own vested interests.”

Former deputy chief minister Sushil Kumar Modi said: “The JD(U) should announce it is aligning with the Congress. Nitish is not comfortable with NaMo but can chant Rahul zindabad.” On Rahul, he said: “Why has woken up so late? He thinks everyone is a fool in this country. Why can’t Rahul ask the Prime Minister to dismiss Kapil Sibal for piloting this ordinance?”

Bihar Pradesh Congress Committee president Ashok Choudhary said: “I endorse Rahulji. He felt that something is not correct, so he said it. It is an individual view.”