Nitish Kumar 'Kept Us In Dark': Kharge Claims 'Pre-Planned Conspiracy' Against I.N.D.I.A. Bloc

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge accused Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar of executing a 'pre-planned' move to BJP-led NDA, saying Lalu Prasad Yadav cautioned him about it five days ago.

File Photo of Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge with Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Sunday accused Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar of executing a 'pre-planned' move to split from the Mahagathbandhan in the state to rejoin the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). Kharge asserted that the JD(U) chief kept the I.N.D.I.A. bloc, comprising the opposition parties, in the dark about this strategic shift.

Speaking to news agency ANI, Kharge stated, "Such decisions cannot be taken in a hurry... This shows that it was all pre-planned. To break the I.N.D.I.A. alliance, they (BJP-JD(U)) planned all this... He (Nitish Kumar) kept us in the dark, he kept Lalu Yadav in the dark."

"Five days ago, Lalu Prasad told me he (Nitish) will leave, but we have to continue our preparations. We will continue to fight," he remarked.

#WATCH | Uttarakhand: On BJP-JD(U) alliance, Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge says, "This shows that it was all pre-planned. To break the INDIA alliance they (BJP-JD(U)) planned all this... He (Nitish Kumar) kept us in the dark, he kept Lalu Yadav in the dark..." pic.twitter.com/mgeQoSz0ZS

— ANI (@ANI) January 28, 2024

Nitish Kumar's move is seen as a significant setback for the I.N.D.I.A. bloc, especially considering the impending Lok Sabha polls where the Opposition parties are gearing up to face the formidable BJP.

Nitish Kumar, who had previously severed ties with the BJP in 2022, is credited with the initiative to unite various opposition forces against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the ruling party in the national election. However, his sudden move to jump ship to the NDA has reshaped the political landscape in Bihar.

Taking the oath for the ninth time as Chief Minister of Bihar at Raj Bhawan, Patna, Nitish Kumar's switch to the BJP-led NDA marks the second time in two years that he has changed political affiliations. This latest move is his fifth crossover in a little over a decade, preceding his ninth term as chief minister.

The swearing-in ceremony also saw two Deputy Chief Ministers from the BJP, Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha, along with six other ministers, including Bijendra Prasad Yadav, Santosh Kumar Suman, and Shrawan Kumar, taking the oath. The political dynamics in Bihar have witnessed a significant shift, setting the stage for renewed alliances and competition in the upcoming Lok Sabha election.

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