There is a lot of discussion about Thakur leaders in recent times – it is how to trust their allegiance so soon. The way they have changed sides right before the elections is strange – for instance, Jagdambika Pal, Satpal Maharaj and Ramesh Chand Tomar have left the Congress and have joined the BJP. At the same time, N K Singh, who was said to be a close aide to Nitish Kumar, has also deserted JD (U) and joined the BJP.