Bihar CM Nitish Kumar’s Actions Create Crisis For INDI Alliance

Bihar’s politics is again in crisis. Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s actions have significantly impacted the INDI alliance, a political group opposing the BJP. 

Nitish Kumar was expected to move to Delhi and lead the alliance as its convenor, potentially becoming a Prime Ministerial candidate. 

In return, Tejashwi Yadav, Lalu Prasad Yadav’s son, would take over as Bihar’s Chief Minister. However, Nitish Kumar realized that this plan was unlikely to happen.

Nitish Kumar is already known for his shifts between BJP, Congress, and Lalu Yadav’s RJD since 2013. After leaving BJP in 2022, he joined the INDI alliance to unite opposition parties against Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the 2024 elections.

But the recent events have sparked rumors about Nitish’s next move. These started after the BJP honored Karpoori Thakur, a respected socialist leader, and former Bihar Chief Minister, with the Bharat Ratna. Thakur, known as ‘Jan Nayak’, is a significant figure in Bihar politics.

Adding to the speculation, Nitish visited the Bihar Governor on Republic Day without his deputy from RJD, Tejashwi Yadav. This hinted at possible issues within his party, Janata Dal (United), and RJD.

Key developments occurred during the January 13 INDI alliance meeting. Nitish was suggested as the Convenor, a proposal supported by most leaders. 

Meanwhile, Bihar saw major administrative changes by transferring officers. 22 Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officers, 79 Indian Police Service (IPS) officers, and 45 Bihar Administrative Service (BAS) officers have been transferred on 26th January.

Both Congress and RJD are holding meetings with their legislators. Congress insists their meeting is unrelated to Nitish Kumar, focusing instead on Rahul Gandhi’s ‘Nyay Yatra’. 

On Sunday, Nitish has planned a meeting with his party. There’s speculation that he might join hands with the BJP and claim the Chief Minister position again.

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This political move by Nitish Kumar is a significant setback for the INDI alliance and its member Rahul Gandhi. Gandhi had hoped that the alliance would unite against the BJP and win a substantial percentage of votes across India. 

However, Nitish Kumar’s decision, along with other setbacks like Mamata Banerjee’s lack of support in West Bengal and Arvind Kejriwal’s actions in Punjab, has completely weakened the INDI alliance.