In Bihar, senior BJP and Janata Dal (United) leaders have started discussions to chalk out a strategy for the forthcoming state Assembly polls. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar met Arun Jaitely and other BJP leaders at the residence of the State BJP Chief C. P. Thakur in Patna on Sunday. <br/><br/>AIR correspondent reports that this is for the first time Nitish Kumar is meeting BJP leaders after the recent controversy over the release of an advertisement depicting Narendra Modi and Nitish Kumar together. The move is considered an attempt to improve the strained ties between the two parties after the publication of the controversial advertisement.<br/><br/>Arun Jaitely described the meeting as a "social meeting" and refused to elaborate on the issues which were discussed. Party sources said, both parties pledged to continue their alliance at both the national and state level and discussed joint poll strategies and seat sharing formula between them for the coming assembly polls in the State.