The political turmoil in Bihar, which centered on Prime Minister Nitish Kumar's exit from the opposition alliance to take on Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections and subsequently rejoin the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) , has taken a surprising turn. Bihar Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) chief Samrat Choudhary has refuted speculation that Nitish Kumar would rejoin the NDA, which he left in 2022, claiming that the party high command has “no idea” of such developments .
Despite this, sources have said that Nitish Kumar has sought time to meet the Governor in the first half today. There is speculation that Nitish Kumar will sack ministers belonging to the alliance partner and Lalu Yadav's party Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) to replace them with the BJP legislators. As the political crisis in Bihar continues to unfold with complicated twists and turns, here are 10 latest updates on the current development that threatens the unity of INDIA. Bihar political news LIVE updates
POLITICAL CRISIS IN BIHAR: 10 LATEST UPDATES
- Though Nitish Kumar has remained silent on the recent developments in Bihar, he will reportedly resign as chief minister today, Sunday, to dump the Mahagathbandhan from the government.
- Nitish Kumar is “likely to address a meeting of JD(U) legislators around 10 am on Sunday before going to Raj Bhavan to submit his resignation”.
- The formation of a new government in Bihar is likely to take place this evening, with the support of the BJP. Nitish Kumar is also likely to sack all RJD ministers and replace them with ministers from the saffron party.
- Several NDA leaders, including former Bihar CM Jitan Ram Manjhi, have indicated that the JD(U)-RJD alliance has broken down. Also read | Is INDIA bloc splitting? Here, JD(U) advises Cong to keep the alliance going
- Earlier on Saturday, BJP leader and Union Minister Ashwini Kumar Choubey participated in the foundation laying ceremony of the development works with CM Nitish Kumar, reinforcing speculation that an alliance between the two parties may be in the works would be.
- Ahead of the big day in Bihar, Rashtriya Janata Dal leaders sat together at Rabri Devi's Patna residence where Nitish Kumar's deputy Tejashwi Yadav hinted at many unexpected developments in the state. “Bihar mein abhi khel hona baki hain' [The game is yet to begin in Bihar]“Tejashwi reportedly told this to the RJD leaders.
- On why Nitish Kumar rejoined the NDA camp, sources have claimed that the January 12 meeting with the INDIA bloc was the final nail in the alliance's coffin. While some party leaders, including Lalu Prasad Yadav and Sitaram Yechury, proposed Nitish Kumar's name as INDIA Chairman at the meeting, Rahul Gandhi intervened and said a decision on the matter would have to wait as Mamata Banerjee and Arvind Kejriwal named Mallikarjun Kharge had suggested.
- Notably, the BJP held a state assembly meeting in Patna in Bihar amid speculation that Nitish Kumar would join the NDA. A meeting was also held at Amit Shah's residence in New Delhi.
- RJD is the largest alliance partner in the 'Mahagathbandhan', which includes Congress and three Left parties and is eight members short of a majority in the assembly if Kumar's JD(U) withdraws.
- If Nitish Kumar switches to the NDA, it would be the fourth time he has switched sides – between Congress, BJP and RJD – which has also earned him the nickname 'Paltu Ram'. Nitish Kumar left the BJP from the alliance government in 2022 to join hands with the Congress and RJD.
(With input from the agency)
Unlock a world of benefits! From insightful newsletters to real-time inventory management, breaking news and a personalized news feed – it's all there, just one click away! Log in now!
View all political news and updates on DailyExertNews. View the latest Budget 2024 promotions here. Download the Mint News app for daily market updates and live business news.
. or less
Published: Jan 28, 2024 07:44 IST
