Patna, June 2: The rocky relationship between the JDU and RJD today looked headed for stormy days with senior leaders of both camps publicly exchanging verbal volleys.

JDU leaders, who were thus far relatively restrained in their reaction to the assault from the RJD flanks, today came out blazing all guns against those opposed to Nitish Kumar's candidature as chief minister. Food and consumer projection minister Shyam Rajak - an erstwhile right-hand man of Lalu Prasad - said: "Those speaking against Nitish's leadership are on the payroll of the BJP."

Rajak's barbs were aimed at senior RJD leader Raghuvansh Prasad Singh, the most vocal opponent to Nitish's projection as the chief ministerial candidate.

What drove Rajak to train his guns on Raghuvansh was the RJD leader's statement earlier in the day that his party would stick to its demand of 143 seats in the Assembly election and remain opposed to Nitish's projection as chief minister of the alliance. "The RJD has many faces capable of becoming CM," Raghuvansh said, despite Lalu putting a gag on his party leaders yesterday.

Raghuvansh brushed aside Rajak's comments. "I do not take notice of such comments. These people (read Rajak) were till recently playing into the lap of the BJP. They can do anything for power," he said.

The JDU said it would not compromise on the leadership issue. Bihar JDU chief Bashishtha Narayan Singh said: "The party will not make any compromise on Nitish's candidature as the chief ministerial candidate. Nitish has an excellent track record and his acceptability cuts across the social and political spectrum. Nitish's leadership is a non-negotiable issue." He, however, kept open the doors for an alliance. "Negotiations are in progress," Bashishtha said.

Differences in the JDU became apparent with transport minister Ramai Ram adding a twist in the tale. "The leadership issue should be decided after the polls," said Ram, who, like Rajak, was once a trusted lieutenant of Lalu.