Patna:The INDIA bloc is facing the imminent threat of disintegration as Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, a third crucial leader, appears poised to exit. Sources indicate that Mr. Kumar may align with the BJP in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, signaling a last-minute shift. This development follows the recent distancing of two other key leaders, Mamata Banerjee and Arvind Kejriwal, from the INDIA bloc, as they ruled out any alliance with the Congress and opted for independent strategies in Bengal and Punjab.
Mr. Kumar, contemplating sharing the stage with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at a rally on February 4 in Bettiah, has summoned all his MLAs to Patna.
Options within the party are reportedly being considered, including the dissolution of the assembly and concurrent assembly elections with the Lok Sabha polls. Alternatively, allowing Mr. Kumar to continue as Chief Minister, a move contested by the party’s original leaders, is being contemplated. The party is currently observing the unfolding events within the Nitish Kumar camp.
In the 243-member Bihar assembly, the majority mark is 122. The RJD holds 79 seats, and Mr. Kumar could potentially form a government with the support of 82 BJP seats and 45 from his Janata Dal United. Amidst the political turmoil, the Bihar Governor, initially set to travel to Goa, has canceled his plans.
While state BJP leaders express skepticism about Nitish Kumar’s return, the party’s top leadership has reportedly issued directives to refrain from criticizing the Chief Minister. State BJP leaders, including Samrat Chaudhary and Sushil Modi, are expected to meet party leaders in Delhi.
For Mr. Kumar, this potential move would mark his fifth political shift since 2013, swinging between the NDA and the mahagathbandhan, all while maintaining his position in the state. Signs of discontent have been evident in his recent comments on dynastic politics and a lack of response to Congress initiatives, raising questions about the cohesion of the Opposition front.
Upset over the lack of clarity in the INDIA bloc’s strategies and feeling overlooked as a potential Prime Ministerial candidate, Mr. Kumar’s dissatisfaction has grown. Disruptions in seat-sharing discussions for the Lok Sabha further aggravated the situation. The recent sacking of Lallan Singh, JDU chief, and the Bharat Ratna for former Bihar Chief Minister Karpoori Thakur have played pivotal roles in this unfolding political scenario.
Efforts are being made by Mahagathbandhan allies to pacify Mr. Kumar, with Lalu Yadav reaching out, and the Congress attempting to involve him in the Bharat Jodo Nyaya Yatra when it enters Bihar. A potential split with Nitish Kumar would be a significant setback for the INDIA bloc, which is struggling to finalize its game plan, seat sharing, and campaign strategy. Nitish Kumar was considered a crucial mediator in the formation of the Opposition front, bringing disparate elements like the Trinamool Congress and the Aam Aadmi Party on board, but their recent distancing raises uncertainties about the bloc’s future.
