The political landscape in Bihar is experiencing a seismic shift amid swirling rumors of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s potential return to the BJP, the party he distanced himself from in 2022. Such a move could spell trouble for the ruling ‘Mahagathbandhan’ coalition in the state.
Here are 10 key points elucidating the ongoing political crisis:
1. Nitish Kumar’s Political Journey:
Nitish Kumar has been a political chameleon, traversing between the BJP, Congress, and Lalu Yadav’s Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) since 2013, earning him the moniker ‘Paltu Ram’. After parting ways with the BJP in 2022, he led efforts to unify opposition forces against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his party for the 2024 elections.
2. Speculation Trigger:
Recent speculation about Kumar’s potential switch gained traction after the BJP posthumously awarded former Bihar Chief Minister Karpoori Thakur with the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian honor. Thakur’s legacy as a socialist icon, known as ‘Jan Nayak’ (leader of the people), and his implementation of alcohol prohibition in the state, adds significant political weight.
3. Signs of Discord:
Kumar’s solo visit to the Bihar Governor’s residence on Republic Day, sans his deputy Tejashwi Yadav, hinted at underlying discord within his party, Janata Dal (United), and the RJD.
4. Cryptic Statements:
Former Deputy Chief Minister and BJP leader Sushil Kumar Modi’s enigmatic remark, “No door is closed in politics. The door can be opened if needed,” added further intrigue to the unfolding developments.
5. Alliance Dynamics:
A pivotal moment occurred during the January 13 meeting of the INDIA alliance, where Kumar’s name was proposed as Convenor. However, reservations expressed by Mamata Banerjee of the Trinamool Congress delayed a decision, despite endorsements from other leaders like Lalu Yadav and Sharad Pawar.
6. Intensifying Activities:
A flurry of activities across Bihar fuels speculations of Kumar’s departure from the Congress-led INDIA opposition bloc.
7. Administrative Shakeup:
The Bihar government’s transfer of 79 Indian Police Service (IPS) and 45 Bihar Administrative Service (BAS) officers indicates a shifting landscape.
8. Behind-the-Scenes Maneuvering:
The BJP’s convened meeting to strategize for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls hints at possible discussions for an alliance with Nitish Kumar, although state unit chief Samrat Choudhary downplays such speculations publicly.
9. Party Responses:
Both the Congress and RJD have called meetings of their legislators amidst the crisis. While the Congress denies direct involvement in the political upheaval, citing preparations for Rahul Gandhi’s ‘Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra’, the evolving situation suggests deeper political machinations.
10. Looming Decision:
Nitish Kumar’s scheduled legislature party session on Sunday, coupled with reports of a potential alliance with the BJP, raises anticipation of his bid for an unprecedented ninth term as Chief Minister.
The intricate dance of alliances and power dynamics continues to shape Bihar’s political landscape, leaving the state poised for significant upheaval in the days ahead.
