Bihar Chief Minister and Janata Dal-United (JDU) President Nitish Kumar is once again at the center of discussions about a potential political shift with speculations about him contemplating a departure from the Mahagathbandhan (Grand Alliance) at a crucial juncture, with general elections looming in the coming months. Notably, Nitish Kumar is a part of both the Mahagathbandhan and the opposition Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (I.N.D.I.A) bloc.
Reacting to the swirling rumors, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Dilip Ghosh took a dig at Nitish Kumar, referring to him as 'Palturam' (one who frequently changes sides). Ghosh remarked, "People want to know what Nitish Kumar is up to. Will he be a Palturam again, or will he stand by the expectations of the people?".
Speaking to news agency ANI, Ghosh also expressed skepticism about the viability of the RJD-JD(U) alliance, stating, "Bihar is witnessing a tussle, an opportunistic alliance of this kind is not likely to last for long. Their problem is that neither can they work separately for two years nor can they work together for one year. This kind of politics harms the country. In the 2024 polls (Lok Sabha election), people will see this clearly, they do not want to witness this."
Recently, Nitish Kumar has dropped hints suggesting significant political developments are on the horizon in Bihar. He has not only chosen to abstain from Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's 'Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra' but also made critical remarks about dynastic politics on the occasion of former Chief Minister Karpoori Thakur's birth anniversary.
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How Nitish Kumar Earned The 'Palturam' Moniker
While this would not be the first instance of Nitish Kumar's flip-flops, the current discussions revolve around the possibility of him aligning with the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) once again. Nitish Kumar has a history of political shifts, having switched sides multiple times since entering politics in 1974.
Nitish Kumar left the Mahagathbandhan in 2017 to join hands with the BJP, only to return to the Mahagathbandhan in 2022. The reasons behind this apparent flip-flop remain a subject of scrutiny.
Since the year 2000, he has formed a government by aligning with the BJP five times and has formed a coalition with the RJD thrice.
Is Nitish Kumar Dissatisfied With I.N.D.I.A. Bloc?
One major point of contention appears to be Nitish Kumar's alleged dissatisfaction with not being appointed as the coordinator of the I.N.D.I.A bloc for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. Additionally, delays in seat-sharing discussions within the Opposition alliance, specifically in Bihar, are believed to have contributed to disagreements. Nitish Kumar aims for the JD(U) to contest 14-16 seats in Bihar, a figure that has reportedly not found consensus.
Despite being a Chief Minister for eight terms in Bihar, Nitish Kumar seems uncertain about his future within the I.N.D.I.A bloc, especially if the alliance secures victory in the Lok Sabha elections. His reluctance to forego the Chief Minister's position and take on a national role within the Opposition alliance is also being speculated.
As the political winds shift in Bihar, Nitish Kumar seems to be gauging the political winds, considering the possibility of aligning with the BJP once again. The upcoming elections provide him with an opportunity to improve his image, particularly in the face of corruption allegations associated with the constituents of the Mahagathbandhan.
In the coming days, Bihar's political landscape is poised for significant shifts as Nitish Kumar, the seasoned political player, contemplates yet another turn in his political journey. The question that looms is whether Nitish Kumar will once again live up to his moniker of 'Palturam' or navigate the political complexities with a new strategy.