Confirming the anticipated split from Lalu Prasad Yadav’s Rashtriya Janata Dal, Janta Dal (United) Chief Nitish Kumar submitted his resignation as Bihar’s Chief Minister to Governor Rajendra Arlekar on Sunday. Kumar is expected to establish a new state government with the backing of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Bihar CM and JD(U) president Nitish Kumar meets Governor at Raj Bhavan; tells him – We have decided to sever ties with the mahagathbandhan in the state. pic.twitter.com/qtO0zH1jAB
— ANI (@ANI) January 28, 2024
Nitish Kumar’s Political Odyssey: A ‘Paltu Ram’ Journey Since 2013
Since 2013, Nitish Kumar, also known as ‘Paltu Ram,’ has navigated political alliances with the BJP, Congress, and Lalu Yadav’s Rashtriya Janata Dal. His recent departure from the BJP in 2022 led him to spearhead the INDIA bloc, a coalition of opposition forces, in a bid to challenge Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the ruling party in the upcoming 2024 elections.
Turbulence within the INDIA Bloc
Nitish Kumar’s association with the INDIA bloc faced turbulence during a January 13 meeting. CPM Leader Sitaram Yechury proposed Kumar as the Convenor, garnering widespread support. However, Rahul Gandhi’s intervention delayed the decision due to Mamata Banerjee’s reservations about Kumar assuming the role.
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Speculations and Operations in Bihar
Speculations intensified as operations unfolded in Bihar, suggesting Nitish Kumar’s potential departure from the Congress-led INDIA opposition coalition. Notably, the Bihar government transferred 79 IPS officials and 45 BAS officers, signaling a significant shift. JD(U)’s political adviser, K C Tyagi, accused a section of the Congress leadership of consistently “insulting” Kumar, hinting at the grand coalition’s impending collapse.
Government Preparations and Legislative Impact
In anticipation of significant developments, government offices, including the secretariat, were instructed to remain open on Sunday. The political landscape is poised for change, especially with the RJD, holding 79 MLAs, as the largest party in the Bihar legislature. Nitish Kumar’s withdrawal from the Mahagathbandhan jeopardizes its majority, subtracting eight MLAs from the assembly. The unfolding political drama in Bihar continues to capture attention and shape the state’s political future.