sbet Bihar Politics on Edge: Lalu’s Proposal Adds Fuel to JD(U)-BJP Strains

RJD supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav and JD (U) chief and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar | Photo: File Pic RJD supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav and JD (U) chief and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar | Photo: File Pic

Bihar's political landscape is witnessing several twists and turns. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has firmly rejected Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Lalu Yadav's proposal to join the Opposition's INDIA alliance. Nitish responded to the offer with a strong statement, "We made mistakes twice and went astray, but now we will always stay together and work for development."

Lalu had extended an invitation to Nitish on January 1, suggesting that the door was open for him to join the INDIA bloc. "Our door is always open for Nitish. He should keep it open as well. If Nitish joins us, why would not we welcome him? We will work together."

The RJD supremo further said, "If Nitish decides to come back, we will forgive him for his past mistakes."

Nitish’s Silence Fuels Speculation

Lalu's offer caused political ripples in Bihar, especially due to Nitish’s silence on the matter. Leaders from both the Janata Dal (United) or JD(U) and RJD began commenting on the issue. Several RJD legislators, including Bhai Virendra, urged Nitish to reconsider and join the INDIA alliance. They assured him that if he agreed, they would welcome him back.

On the other hand, JD(U) leaders were quick to affirm that Nitish remained firmly within the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) fold. They emphasised that the next Bihar Assembly elections would be fought under Nitish's leadership as part of the NDA - which has the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) as the major ally.

Rumours of Political Shifts

Meanwhile, several political developments in the state have sparked rumours of a possible shift in alliances. Nitish, who has been on a 'Pragati Yatra' (progress march) across the state, has been highlighting his government’s work, particularly for women’s welfare.

During this travel, there is a noticeable absence of both deputy chief ministers - Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Sinha (who belong to the BJP). This has fuelled speculation that the gap between Nitish and the BJP is widening. These claims were further supported by Union Home Minister Amit Shah's comments, wherein he indicated that the BJP parliamentary board would decide on the leadership of the NDA in Bihar for the upcoming elections.

Tensions Escalate

The situation became even more heated when Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sinha made a provocative statement. He claimed that BJP workers had freed Bihar from "Jungle Raj" but the mission was not complete until the BJP had its own government in the state.

mobile slots

His remarks led to intense reactions from several BJP central leaders, who had to step in for damage control.

Nitish, Tejashwi’s Unlikely Meeting

Further fuelling the political rumours, Nitish was seen meeting Leader of the Opposition Tejashwi Yadav with great cordiality at an event hosted by Bihar's new Governor, Arif Mohammad Khan. This meeting raised eyebrows and added fuel to the speculation that the JD(U) and the RJD might be considering a potential alliance or understanding.

'NDA is the Way Forward'

However, when Nitish was questioned about Lalu's offer, he initially avoided giving a direct response. He choose to dismiss the issue as a trivial matter. Now, with the political situation becoming clearersbet, Nitish has definitively stated that he will continue to stay with the NDA. He left no room for further speculation.