The INDIA bloc, a political alliance, is facing a potential unraveling as Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is reportedly considering a partnership with the BJP in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. This comes after key leaders Mamata Banerjee and Arvind Kejriwal recently announced their decision to go solo in Bengal and Punjab, ruling out any alliance with the Congress.
Sources suggest that Nitish Kumar may make a last-minute U-turn and join forces with the BJP, even sharing the stage with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at a rally on February 4. He has called all his MLAs to Patna, fueling speculations about the future of the alliance.
The options for Nitish Kumar’s party include dissolving the assembly and holding simultaneous assembly and Lok Sabha elections or allowing Kumar to continue as Chief Minister, a move opposed by local party leaders. The majority mark in the 243-member Bihar assembly is 122, and Kumar can potentially form a government with BJP’s 82 seats and his Janata Dal United’s 45 seats.
Amid the political turmoil, the Bihar Governor has canceled plans to travel to Goa, indicating the seriousness of the situation. State BJP leaders are said to be skeptical about Nitish Kumar’s return, but the top leadership has issued a gag order, instructing them not to criticize the Chief Minister.
Nitish Kumar, 72, known for switching political alliances, may make his fifth change of camp since 2013. His recent comments on dynastic politics, perceived as a snub to ally Lalu Yadav, and the lack of response to Congress’ invitation have further strained relations within the INDIA bloc.
Kumar’s dissatisfaction reportedly stems from the lack of clarity in the INDIA bloc’s poll preparations and his exclusion as a potential Prime Ministerial candidate. The delay in seat-sharing talks for the Lok Sabha polls has added to his discontent.
The build-up to this potential switch began with Nitish Kumar sacking Lallan Singh and returning as the JDU chief. Singh’s failure to effectively communicate Kumar’s ambitions to INDIA bloc members may have led to Mamata Banerjee and Arvind Kejriwal proposing Mallikarjun Kharge’s name for the top post.
The Bharat Ratna for former Bihar Chief Minister Karpoori Thakur is seen as a turning point that may have been scripted in advance. Mahagathbandhan allies, caught off guard, are trying to pacify Nitish Kumar, with Lalu Yadav and the Congress making efforts to retain him in the alliance.
For the struggling INDIA bloc, Nitish Kumar’s potential departure would be a significant setback. He played a crucial role in bringing disparate elements like the Trinamool Congress and the Aam Aadmi Party into the alliance, and their exit raises questions about the bloc’s future.
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