After making headlines for unexpectedly leaving the INDIA bloc alliance and joining the BJP, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar shared the reason behind his decision. In a recent statement, Kumar revealed that he had urged the Congress and other members of the Opposition alliance to reconsider naming the political group ‘Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance’ (INDIA). Criticizing the alliance for its inaction in finalizing seat-sharing agreements for the upcoming Lok Sabha assembly elections, Kumar justified his move to join the rival National Democratic Alliance (NDA).
“I was urging them to choose a different for the alliance, but they had already finalized it. Despite my efforts, they didn’t take any action. Even today, they haven’t decided on seat distribution. That’s why I returned to my initial alliance. I will continue working for the people of Bihar,” Nitish Kumar stated, as reported by news agency ANI.
Taking a swipe at Rahul Gandhi, Nitish Kumar accused him of falsely claiming credit for the Bihar caste census. “He seems to have forgotten when the caste census happened. I conducted it in the presence of 9 parties. In 2019-2020, I talked about conducting the caste census everywhere. He is taking false credit, and there’s nothing I can do about it,” Kumar added.
The rift between JD(U) and Congress intensified following Kumar’s exit. JD(U) leader KC Tyagi blamed the Congress for Kumar’s departure, alleging that the party conspired to propose Mallikarjun Kharge as the prime ministerial face, aiming to take over the leadership of the INDIA bloc. In response, the Congress labelled Kumar a chameleon.
This marks the fourth time in the last 10 years that Nitish Kumar has switched political allegiances. Despite playing a key role in uniting the Opposition under the INDIA bloc, Kumar’s move to the NDA has led to ongoing tensions between the two sides.
While JD(U) leaders criticized the Congress as politically untouchable, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh expressed relief at Kumar’s departure, stating, “Many leaders are heaving a sigh of relief, saying thank god this man is gone. It is good riddance.” Ramesh emphasized that Kumar’s exit would have no adverse impact on the INDIA bloc.
Notably, Kumar’s decision to switch alliances occurred shortly after Mamata Banerjee announced that her party would contest the upcoming general elections independently in Bengal.
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