Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has once again captured the political spotlight, and this time, the discussions are centered around his potential departure from the Grand Alliance. As the severe winter grips Bihar, the political atmosphere is heating up with talks of Nitish Kumar’s allegiance shift. This speculation comes at a crucial juncture, just ahead of the looming Lok Sabha elections, adding a layer of complexity to the state’s political dynamics.
Nitish Kumar, often dubbed the ‘Palturam of Politics,’ has a history of making strategic political moves, having changed alliances five times in his illustrious political career. His entry into politics dates back to 1974 through student politics, and since then, he has navigated the intricate web of Bihar’s political landscape.
The recent buzz suggests that Nitish Kumar is contemplating rejoining the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA), a move that would not be unprecedented given his previous affiliations. The intricate dance of Bihar’s political alliances has seen Nitish aligning with both the NDA and the Grand Alliance at different points in time.
His first significant political shift occurred in 1994 when he departed from the Janata Dal to form the Samata Party alongside socialist leaders George Fernandes and Lalan Singh. The party initially aligned with Left parties for the 1995 assembly elections but later pivoted to join the NDA when electoral success proved elusive.
In 1996, Nitish Kumar returned to the NDA fold, and his political journey with the BJP-led alliance continued until 2010. However, the rise of Narendra Modi within the NDA prompted Nitish Kumar to contest the 2014 Lok Sabha elections independently, winning two seats. Subsequently, he relinquished the Chief Minister’s post in 2014.
The political landscape saw another twist in 2015 when Nitish Kumar made a comeback, forming a grand alliance with the Congress and the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD). This alliance propelled him back to the Chief Minister’s office just before the assembly elections.
However, the alliance faced challenges in 2017 when corruption allegations surfaced against Tejashwi Yadav, leading Nitish Kumar to break ranks and join hands with the BJP once again. The subsequent 2020 elections saw the JDU facing difficulties with 43 seats, prompting Nitish Kumar’s return to the Grand Alliance in 2022.
Now, as discussions swirl around his potential departure from the Grand Alliance, the question arises: Why is Nitish Kumar disillusioned once again, within a year and a half of rejoining?
Firstly, there is discontent over Nitish Kumar not being appointed as the India Alliance convenor for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. The expectation of a key coordinating role within the alliance did not materialize, leading to reports of his frustration.
Additionally, the delay in seat-sharing arrangements within the India Alliance has fueled Nitish’s dissatisfaction. With the elections approaching, he advocates for swift decisions, particularly regarding Bihar’s 40 seats. Nitish Kumar reportedly seeks 14-16 seats, a proposal yet to find consensus within the alliance.
Furthermore, Nitish Kumar, an eight-time Chief Minister of Bihar, harbors doubts about his political future within the India Alliance. Despite potential success in the elections and a role in central leadership, he seems reluctant to relinquish the Chief Minister’s post, indicating a lack of perceived opportunity within the alliance.
The political climate surrounding the construction of the Ram Mandir has also influenced Nitish Kumar’s calculations. Sensing a growing wave in favor of the BJP, he speculates that the India Alliance may face an uphill battle. In response, Nitish considers aligning with the BJP as a strategic move to position himself on the winning side.
Lastly, Nitish Kumar may see an opportunity to redeem his image by rejoining the BJP-led NDA. Accusations of corruption within the Grand Alliance, particularly from the BJP, have prompted him to contemplate a move that could help cleanse his political standing before the upcoming elections.
In the midst of these political intricacies, Bihar braces itself for yet another chapter in Nitish Kumar’s political journey. As the ‘Palturam of Politics’ contemplates his next move, the state remains at the epicenter of political speculation, eagerly awaiting the unfolding drama in the run-up to the Lok Sabha elections.
Brief
Here are the key reasons behind the growing disillusionment:
- Alliance Acrimony
- NDA Reunion Rumors
- History of Alliance Hopping
- Discontent in Grand Alliance
- Reading the Electoral Winds
- Image Redemption Opportunity
As Bihar faces a severe winter, Nitish Kumar’s political maneuvers are heating up the political landscape. Will he make the sixth flip in his political career? Stay tuned for the unfolding drama in Bihar’s political arena!
