Nitish Kumar Set for Chief Ministerial Swearing-In with BJP Support: Reports
Delhi, January 26, 2024 – In a significant turn of events, discussions took place on Thursday in Delhi between Union Home Minister Amit Shah and senior leaders from Bihar, including BJP President Samrat Choudhary, Sushil Modi, and Vijay Kumar Sinha. The talks have fueled speculation that the leaders are open to reintegrating JD(U) chief Nitish Kumar into their alliance.
Amid the ongoing political turmoil in Bihar, reports on Friday have surfaced, suggesting that Nitish Kumar is likely to be sworn in as the Chief Minister of Bihar with the backing of the BJP on Sunday, reported various media outlets.
As the longest-serving chief minister of Bihar, Nitish Kumar has reportedly expressed dissatisfaction with the INDIA bloc, citing a lack of a position in the alliance that aligns with his political stature. He has also been an advocate for an early assembly poll, synchronized with the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.
The INDIA bloc, facing issues of inconsistency and a lack of trust, received dual setbacks on Wednesday from West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann. Both leaders announced that their parties, the TMC and AAP respectively, plan to contest the Lok Sabha elections independently, anticipated to take place in April-May.
In light of these developments, it is reported that Nitish Kumar is expected to form an alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) led by Prime Minister Modi. This move comes as disagreements with allies in the INDIA bloc intensify. In exchange for its support, the BJP is anticipated to secure two Deputy Chief Minister positions, reminiscent of the arrangement established after the 2020 election.
The political landscape in Bihar is witnessing a dynamic shift, with alliances being reevaluated and new partnerships emerging. Nitish Kumar’s potential return to the Chief Ministerial position with BJP backing adds another layer to the unfolding political narrative in the state
