Nitish Opens Up On Drifting 'Idhar Udhar', Says Will Be In NDA 'Permanently' Now
During his meeting with Modi, Kumar, who will face a trust vote in the Assembly on February 12, discussed various governance and political issues concerning Bihar.
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, in his first meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi after rejoining the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) last month, expressed confidence in his permanent association with the alliance on Thursday.
In brief remarks to reporters, Kumar talked about his long association with the BJP since 1995 and asserted that despite leaving the alliance twice in the past, he has now permanently returned to the NDA. He clarified, "Never now. We will remain here (in the NDA)".
#WATCH | Patna | Bihar CM Nitish Kumar says, "I have already told you that we (BJP-JDU) were together earlier. Twice in the middle I went "idhar udhar." But now, once again I have come "udhar" (to the NDA). I will permanently be there now..." pic.twitter.com/bnVAR4k95O
— ANI (@ANI) February 8, 2024
In response to questions about his discussions with PM Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and BJP chief JP Nadda in Delhi, Kumar assured that the talks focused on Bihar's development and progress, indicating a harmonious relationship.
#WATCH | Patna | When asked if he raised the issue of any special package in his meeting with PM Modi, HM Amit Shah & BJP chief JP Nadda in Delhi yesterday, Bihar CM Nitish Kumar says, "Don't worry about us. We have been working for the development of Bihar since 2005. Work has… pic.twitter.com/Hfg28cDEyB
— ANI (@ANI) February 8, 2024
During his meeting with Modi, Kumar, who will face a trust vote in the Assembly on February 12, discussed various governance and political issues concerning Bihar.
After the meeting, JP Nadda posted on X, highlighting their constructive discussion on state development. Nadda expressed confidence in the NDA government's continuous growth under PM Modi's leadership.
The meetings with top BJP leaders precede a crucial trust vote for Kumar's government and indicate ongoing discussions on the potential expansion of the council of ministers in Bihar. Both parties face challenges in resolving political issues ahead of the Lok Sabha polls, including seat distribution among them and their smaller allies.
The BJP and JD(U) contested 17 seats each in Bihar during the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, and negotiations for the upcoming elections are anticipated. The NDA, which now includes leaders like Jitan Ram Manjhi and Upendra Kushwaha, must navigate these complexities.
While there is speculation about Kumar desiring the dissolution of the Bihar Assembly for simultaneous elections with the Lok Sabha polls, the BJP, with a stronger presence in the House, might approach the idea cautiously.
On the seat-sharing issue, Kumar downplayed concerns, stating that BJP leaders are well aware of the situation. Additionally, the upcoming elections for six Rajya Sabha seats in Bihar, scheduled for February 27, add another dimension to the political landscape.
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