In the ever-shifting landscape of Bihar politics, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is gearing up for a re-entry into the Nitish Kumar-led government. The political drama unfolds with the possibility of a new government taking shape by Monday, reminiscent of the 2020 template where the JD(U) patriarch remained Chief Minister with two deputy CMs from the saffron party.
As the political chess pieces move, JD(U) MLAs and MPs are set to convene at the Chief Minister’s residence on Sunday, raising expectations for a swift transition. BJP MP and former Deputy CM, Sushil Kumar Modi, expressed the party’s stance, emphasizing that doors are never permanently closed in politics, leaving the final decision to the central leadership.
The fast-paced developments began after a cryptic post by Lalu Prasad’s daughter, Rohini Acharya, alluding to Nitish Kumar’s history of switching sides. The body language and statements of leaders from JD(U) and BJP hinted at the Grand Alliance government’s impending fall.
One key player in this political theater is Bihar Speaker, Awadh Bihari Choudhary, affiliated with Lalu’s RJD. Speculations arise about Lalu’s potential influence in breaking away JD(U) and NDA MLAs to form a separate group, prolonging the government change.
With JD(U) on the verge of exiting the INDIA bloc, the opposition’s reaction varies. Mamata Banerjee, Chief Minister of West Bengal, reportedly views Nitish Kumar’s departure as “good riddance,” citing anti-incumbency concerns. The fate of the INDIA bloc becomes a hot topic, with Mamata emphasizing her commitment to fight against the BJP, regardless of Nitish’s decisions.
The BJP is actively reaching out to allies, holding discussions with leaders like Jitan Ram Manjhi, Upendra Kushwaha, and Chirag Paswan. The intricate dance of seat-sharing negotiations adds complexity to the situation, with BJP aiming to maintain its 2019 seat count while accommodating various allies.
The dynamics between Trinamul and the Congress in Bengal also come under scrutiny, with Mamata expressing dissatisfaction over the alliance’s functioning in the state. Despite potential clashes in individual states, Mamata suggests that like-minded opposition parties can unite post-elections to prevent a BJP-led government at the center.
As Bihar waits for the dust to settle, the state finds itself on the brink of yet another political transformation, and the decisions made in the coming days will shape the course of Bihar’s political landscape.