Speculations End as Nitish Kumar’s Resignation Shifts Bihar’s Political Landscape

Patna, Bihar: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, also the national president of Janata Dal (United), sent shockwaves through the political landscape as he tendered his resignation to Governor Rajendra Arlekar at the Raj Bhavan in Patna on Sunday. This move comes as a decisive shift in the state’s political dynamics, signalling the end of the Mahagathbandhan rule.

In a meeting with the Governor, Nitish Kumar announced, “We have decided to sever ties with the Mahagathbandhan in the state,” alluding to a potential realignment with the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA). This development follows a series of fast-changing events triggered by various comments, in a short conversation with PTI (news agency) Congress president Malikarjun Kharge said ”The country has many ‘Aaya Ram Gaya Ram’ people (like him)“.

If Nitish Kumar does indeed join the NDA, it would mark his fourth switch in political alliances. The Bihar Assembly, comprising 243 seats, witnessed the RJD as the largest party with 79 MLAs, followed closely by the BJP at 78. The JD(U) held 45 seats, Congress 19, CPI (M-L) 12, CPI(M) and CPI 2 each, with the Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular) having 4 seats. Additionally, AIMIM and an Independent held two seats.

In a separate statement, Nitish Kumar explained that the decision to resign and dissolve the government stemmed from internal issues. “Not everything was alright,” he said, acknowledging differing views within the party. Nitish Kumar had earlier severed ties with the NDA in 2022, joining the Mahagathbandhan with RJD, Congress, and Left parties.

As the caretaker chief minister, Nitish Kumar is set to navigate the state’s political future. The BJP is anticipated to submit its ‘Letter of Support,’ aligning with JD(U) to form the next government. Reports suggest the oath-taking ceremony could occur at 4 pm, with Nitish Kumar appointing new ministers from the BJP.

The Bihar Assembly now stands at a critical juncture, with the RJD holding the majority but falling short of the required 122 seats. The Mahagathbandhan, once comprising 159 MLAs, faces an uphill battle after Nitish Kumar’s departure. The Congress, with 19 MLAs, remains a key player, while the BJP holds the second-largest share with 78 MLAs, poised to play a pivotal role in the unfolding political scenario.