'Door Not Permanently Closed': Sushil Modi Amid Speculation Around Nitish Kumar's NDA Return

Sushil Modi, the former Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar, said on Friday that political doors are never closed "permanently" in politics.

Speculation is mounting on the political trajectory of Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar as Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Sushil Kumar Modi hints at the possibility of his return to the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). Sushil Modi, the former Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar, said on Friday that political doors are never closed "permanently" in politics. His comments come amid discussions on the upcoming Lok Sabha elections during a meeting with the BJP's central leadership.

"In yesterday's meeting, strategies for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections were discussed. But as far as Nitish Kumar and JD(U) are concerned, doors are never closed permanently in politics. Now our central leadership will decide whether the door will open or not," said Sushil Modi before heading back to Patna told reporters. 

Responding to Sushil Modi's remarks, JD(U) leader Neeraj Kumar said, "Nitish Kumar is the chief minister of Bihar. (BJP leader) Sushil Kumar Modi is a key leader and it is natural for the media to take his statement seriously". 

Lalu Prasad Yadav's daughter, Rohini Acharya, had earlier taken a swipe at the JDU, sparking internal discord within the ruling alliance. However, her social media posts on the matter were later deleted.

Sushil Modi, who was Deputy Chief Minister in the NDA government in Bihar in 2022, witnessed Nitish Kumar severing ties with the BJP and aligning with the RJD and Congress. The political landscape suggests a potential realignment, keeping the doors open for Nitish Kumar's return to the NDA.

Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, during the birth centenary celebrations of Jan Nayak Karpoori Thakur, criticised 'dynastic politics', stating his commitment to not promoting family members in politics. Despite these statements, JD(U) leader KC Tyagi affirmed the party's allegiance to the Mahagathbandhan (grand alliance) in the state.

In response to the ongoing speculations, Rashtriya Lok Janata Dal (RLJD) president Upendra Kushwaha expressed skepticism about Nitish Kumar's loyalty even if he departs from the Mahagathbandhan. Kushwaha questioned the guarantee that Nitish Kumar would remain with the Bharatiya Janata Party after the Lok Sabha elections if he joins the NDA. The political landscape in Bihar remains dynamic, with alliances and loyalties shaping the narrative in the lead-up to the elections.

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