Nitish Resigns As Bihar CM In Jolt To RJD, Likely To Join NDA

Affirming the speculations of snapping ties with Lalu Prasad Yadav’s Rashtriya Janata Dal, Janta Dal (United) Chief Nitish Kumar on Sunday tendered his resignation as Bihar’s Chief Minister to Governor Rajendra Arlekar. Kumar is likely to form new state government with BJP’s support. 

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Nitish Kumar has moved between the BJP, Congress, and Lalu Yadav’s Rashtriya Janata Dal since 2013, earning the nickname ‘Paltu Ram’. After leaving the BJP in 2022, he took the initiative of assembling all opposition forces INDIA bloc to challenge Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the ruling party in the 2024 elections.

However, his contention with INDIA bloc began in January 13 meeting, according the leaders close to JD(U) chief. In the meeting, CPM Leader Sitaram Yechury recommended Nitish Kumar as Convenor, which was supported by almost all politicians, including Lalu Yadav and Sharad Pawar. However, Rahul Gandhi intervened and stated that a decision would have to wait since Trinamool Congress leader and Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had qualms about Nitish Kumar assuming the position.

A flurry of operations hag started in Bihar, hinting towards the speculation that Nitish Kumar would leave the Congress-led INDIA opposition coalition. On Friday, the Bihar government transferred 79 IPS officials and 45 BAS officers. K C Tyagi, JD(U)’s political adviser and spokesperson, had also informed reporters in Delhi that Bihar’s grand coalition government is on the verge of collapse, accusing a portion of the Congress leadership of continually “insulting” Kumar. 

Earlier, an official told PTI that government offices, including the secretariat, had been ordered to remain open on Sunday “in view of hectic activity expected during the day.” 

With 79 MLAs, the RJD is the largest party in the Bihar legislature and a member of the Mahagathbandhan, which also includes the Congress and three Left parties. After Nitish Kumar’s JD(U) withdraws, the Mahagathbandhan loses eight MLAs from its majority in the assembly.