As elections are approaching in Bihar, political activity is also increasing. Be it NDA or INDIA alliance, both sides are making strong efforts to strengthen their positions. The pivot of this entire politics is Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, about whose defection there is speculation before every election. If we look at the political developments of recent times, 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 even talked about forgiving Nitish Babu. After this, on Thursday his son Tejashwi Yadav claimed to oust Nitish from power. With both these statements, the confusion within RJD has come to the fore. However, even on Lalu’s offer, Tejashwi clarified that he had given this statement only to pacify the media.
Whose is Nitish Kumar?
The contradictory statements of father and son in Bihar gave an opportunity to target the ruling coalition. JDU leader Lalan Singh clearly said that Nitish Kumar is in NDA, will remain in NDA. He also targeted Lalu Yadav. On the other hand, BJP termed Lalu Yadav’s statement as RJD’s weakness. Meanwhile, Congress has shown a soft corner towards Nitish and party leader Shakeel Ahmed has called Nitish Kumar a Gandhian leader. He said that Nitish is a Gandhian, he follows the principles of Gandhi.
Now the question is what is going on in RJD’s mind regarding Nitish. On one hand, efforts are being made to bring him into their fold and on the other, claims are being made to oust him from power. Both RJD and BJP parties know that it is not possible to sit in the chair of power in Bihar without Nitish, whichever side JDU joins, the equation of power is certain to be on the same side.
RJD left BJP
Talking about the last elections (2020), in Bihar which has 243 assembly seats, RJD was the largest party with 75 seats. In this election, BJP got 74 seats, JDU got 43 seats. Congress was reduced to 19 seats. By taking small parties along, NDA had won majority by winning 125 seats and despite having less seats, BJP had made Nitish Kumar the CM. Similarly, in the 2015 elections, when Nitish was with RJD, the Grand Alliance had won and Tejashwi Yadav was made the Deputy CM. However, in 2017, JDU separated from the grand alliance and Nitish formed the government with BJP.
It is clear from the past results that with whom Nitish Kumar forms the government in Bihar. That’s why both BJP and RJD made Nitish the Chief Minister of the state both the times despite JDU having less seats. Till now, he has taken oath as Chief Minister 8 times, in which sometimes he was with BJP and sometimes he made RJD his charioteer.
Sometimes soft on Nitish, sometimes hot
Now RJD wants to bring Nitish into its fold 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 stronger. 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 may say, the real player of the game is Nitish Kumar. Even on Thursday, when he was asked a question about Lalu’s offer, he just smiled and remained silent. Also, during the swearing-in 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 placing his hand on his shoulder and blessing him. 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.