In Shorts
- Nitish Kumar’s JD(U) rejoins the BJP-led NDA, ditching the RJD-led ‘Mahagathbandhan’ coalition.
- The swift political realignment makes Kumar the clear contender for Chief Minister, set to secure a historic 10th term.
- The NDA partners now face intense negotiations for cabinet berths, while the RJD grapples with internal leadership tensions.
PATNA: In a development that has sent shockwaves through India’s political landscape, Bihar is set to witness a change in government, yet again led by the state’s perennial chief minister, Nitish Kumar. After a dramatic exit from the opposition ‘Mahagathbandhan’ grand alliance, Kumar is now poised to be sworn in as the Chief Minister of Bihar for a record tenth time, this time with the backing of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA).
The political theater unfolded with characteristic speed on Sunday, as Kumar’s Janata Dal (United) formally severed its ties with Lalu Prasad Yadav’s Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and the Congress party. This move effectively collapsed the state government and paved the way for a swift realignment. With the BJP and other NDA allies swiftly endorsing his leadership, the path was cleared for Kumar to stake a claim to form the new government.
The focus now shifts to Raj Bhavan, where the oath-taking ceremony is expected to be conducted imminently. This will mark a stunning homecoming for Kumar to the NDA, an alliance he had left less than two years ago, citing differences with the BJP. His return underscores his reputation as a master political strategist, often dubbed ‘Paltu Ram’ (the turncoat) by critics for his frequent alliance shifts.
However, the immediate challenge for the reformed NDA is managing the expectations of its constituent parties. With Kumar’s JD(U) and the BJP as the major partners, smaller allies like Chirag Paswan’s Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) and Jitan Ram Manjhi’s Hindustani Awam Morcha are already engaged in intense lobbying for significant cabinet berths in the new administration. The distribution of ministerial portfolios is likely to be a delicate balancing act.
Meanwhile, the opposition Mahagathbandhan has been left in turmoil. The RJD, which was the single largest party in the now-dissolved assembly, is not only dealing with the collapse of its government but also public signs of internal family discord. The perceived sidelining of Tejashwi Yadav, the former Deputy Chief Minister and Lalu Prasad’s son, has become a talking point, hinting at deeper rifts within the party’s first family.
As Bihar braces for another chapter under the leadership of Nitish Kumar, all eyes are on the stability of this new alliance and how the veteran leader will navigate the complex web of coalition politics to govern the state.
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