The political landscape in Bihar is once again in flux as Chief Minister Nitish Kumar appears poised to rejoin the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), a coalition he departed from in 2022 to join forces with the opposition and establish the 'Mahagathbandhan'.
Numerous NDA figures, including former Bihar CM Jitan Ram Manjhi, have hinted at a breakdown in the alliance between Kumar's Janata Dal (United) and Lalu Yadav's Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) in Bihar. Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM) chief Jitan Ram Manjhi has also forecasted the imminent demise of the ruling Mahagathbandhan government.
Yesterday, senior Bharatiya Janata Party leader Sushil Kumar Modi suggested that doors could reopen if necessary, hinting at a potential reconciliation between Nitish Kumar's JDU and his former ally, the BJP.
Rashtriya Lok Janata Dal (RLJD) president Upendra Kushwaha has indicated Kumar's unease within the Mahagathbandhan, suggesting that the JDU chief might be contemplating an exit from the coalition. Additionally, Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) chief Chirag Paswan noted a palpable shift in the state's political climate, suggesting that Nitish Kumar's JDU might realign with the BJP-led NDA soon.
Here are the latest updates on the Bihar political scenario:
Bihar Deputy CM Tejashwi Yadav, also an RJD leader, skipped the Republic Day celebrations at Raj Bhavan, where Nitish Kumar was present. The two leaders didn't interact during the parade held in Patna afterward.
RJD has urged Kumar to address rumors of his discussions with the BJP regarding joining the NDA.
Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav remarked that Kumar could potentially become the prime minister if he remains within the INDIA opposition bloc.
JD(U) has reaffirmed its commitment to the opposition bloc but has called for introspection from the Congress regarding alliance dynamics and seat distribution.
Nitish Kumar recently sparked controversy within the Bihar alliance by criticizing dynasty politics at an event commemorating Karpoori Thakur's 100th birth anniversary. Subsequently, Lalu Yadav's daughter Roshni Acharya posted a cryptic message, which the BJP interpreted as a slight against Kumar.
Kumar has expressed discontent over his marginalization within the INDIA coalition, particularly his delayed appointment as convener, which he declined last month.
