Kumar Bahukhandi
Political battle over Nitish Kumar
Before the elections, both RJD and BJP know that it is not possible to come to power in Bihar without Nitish Kumar. Whichever side JDU joins, the equation of power is sure to be on that side. This is the reason why a political battle has started in Bihar over Nitish.
As the elections in Bihar are drawing near, the political fervour is also increasing. Be it NDA or INDIA alliance, both sides are making a strong effort to strengthen their camp. The pivot of this entire politics is Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, whose defection is speculated before every election. If we look at the recent political developments, it is clear that Nitish’s role is going to be important in the elections.
A few days ago, RJD supremo Lalu Yadav had offered Nitish to join the INDIA alliance. Not only this, he had even said that he would forgive Nitish Babu. After this, on Thursday, January 2 his son Tejashwi Yadav claimed to oust Nitish from power. Both these statements have brought the confusion within RJD to the open. However, Tejashwi clarified on Lalu’s offer and said that he had given this statement only to pacify the media.
Who does Nitish Kumar belong to?
The contradictory statements of father and son in Bihar gave the ruling coalition an opportunity to target them. JDU leader Lallan Singh clearly said that Nitish Kumar is in NDA and will remain in NDA. He also targeted Lalu Yadav. On the other hand, BJP called Lalu Yadav’s statement RJD’s weakness. Meanwhile, Congress showed a soft corner towards Nitish and party leader Shakeel Ahmed called Nitish Kumar a Gandhian leader. He said that Nitish is a Gandhian, he follows Gandhi’s principles
Now the question is what is going on in RJD’s mind regarding Nitish. On one hand, efforts are being made to bring him to their side and on the other hand claims are being made to oust him from power. Both RJD and BJP know that it is not possible to sit on the seat of power in Bihar without Nitish, whichever side JDU joins, the equation of power is sure to sit on that side.
RJD left BJP
Talking about the last election (2020), RJD was the largest party with 75 seats in Bihar with 243 assembly seats. In this election, BJP got 74 seats, JDU got 43 seats. Congress was reduced to 19 seats. NDA won 125 seats by taking small parties along and despite having fewer seats, BJP made Nitish Kumar the CM. Similarly, in the 2015 elections, when Nitish was with RJD, the grand alliance won and Tejashwi Yadav was made the Deputy CM. However, in 2017, JDU broke away from the grand alliance and Nitish formed the government with BJP.
It is clear from the previous results that whoever Nitish Kumar is with, his government is formed in Bihar. That is why both BJP and RJD made Nitish the Chief Minister of the state both the times despite JDU having fewer seats. He has taken oath as Chief Minister 9 times so far, in which sometimes he was with BJP, and sometimes he made RJD his charioteer.
Sometimes soft, sometimes harsh on Nitish
Now RJD wants to bring Nitish to its side before the 2025 elections, but at the same time it cannot make the mistake of showing itself weak. Because if Nitish comes together, then undoubtedly the grand alliance will be strong. But if he contests the elections with NDA, then RJD will have to attack him. JDU leaders have made it clear that this election will be fought under the leadership of Nitish, in such a situation the opposition has to directly target the Chief Minister
Now whatever RJD wants, the real player of the game is Nitish Kumar. Even on Thursday January 2, 2025 , when he was asked a question about Lalu’s offer, he just smiled and went away and remained silent. Also, during the swearing-in ceremony of Governor Arif Mohammad Khan, Leader of Opposition Tejashwi Yadav and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar met each other. Tejashwi Yadav was seen standing smiling with folded hands and Nitish Kumar was seen blessing him by placing his hand on his shoulder. Tejashwi’s attitude towards Nitish seemed soft inside but he gave sharp statements outside. Now the next political step is hidden amidst this softness and heat in Bihar elections.
