Bihar CM and JD (U) president Nitish Kumar is likely to join NDA again by quitting the grand alliance for the second time, switching sides for the fourth time in ten years. He is likely to resign by tomorrow morning.
Speculations are rife that Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar will possibly cross over to the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) again, an alliance he left in 2022 to join hands with the Opposition and form 'Mahagathbandhan'. If Nitish crosses over, this would be the fourth time he would be switching sides. In the Bihar Assembly of 243, the RJD has 79 MLAs; followed by the BJP's 78; the JD(U)'s 45' the Congress's 19, the CPI (M-L)'s 12, two each of the CPI(M) and CPI, the Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular)'s four seats, and the AIMIM's one, plus one Independent legislator.
According to multiple media reports, Kumar-led Janata Dal (United) to be sworn in as the chief minister of Bihar once more by leaving the ruling coalition with its ally Rashtriya Janata Dal and joining the BJP-led NDA.
Kumar on Saturday appeared all set to make his second political volte-face in less than three years, with a highly-placed source close to Kumar saying that the JD (U) President is likely to tender his resignation by Sunday morning.
The source, who requested anonymity, told PTI that though there was a possibility of Kumar resigning by late Saturday evening,”It would definitely take place by Sunday morning”.
The comments came even as RJD leaders held extensive deliberations over the course of action to be followed in the event of Kumar calling off the alliance and returning to the BJP-led NDA.
Before submitting his resignation, Kumar will hold a customary meeting of the legislature party, the source added.
He also said government offices like the secretariat have been asked to remain open on Sunday “in view of hectic activity expected during the day” that may see the installation of a new government with the BJP’s support.
Meanwhile, Janata Dal (United)’s political adviser and spokesperson K C Tyagi told reporters in Delhi that the grand alliance government in Bihar is on the verge of collapse, and accused a section of the Congress leadership of repeatedly “insulting” Kumar.
“The INDIA bloc is on the verge of collapse. The alliance of INDIA bloc parties is almost over in Punjab, West Bengal and Bihar,” he said.
Also on Saturday, state BJP leaders, who held a meeting in Patna, stopped short of making any formal announcement of support to the JD(U) chief in the event of his pulling out of the Mahagathbandhan.
(With inputs from PTI)
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