Bihar in political turmoil: Nitish Kumar steps down as CM, paves way for new BJP alliance

In a move that has sent shockwaves through Bihar’s political landscape, Nitish Kumar has resigned as Chief Minister after a tumultuous period of speculation and strategic maneuvers. This resignation, marking his eighth in a remarkable political career, indicates yet another significant flip-flop in Kumar’s alliance tactics, which have kept the state’s politics on edge for over a decade.

The Rise and Fall of Nitish Kumar

Kumar’s rise to fame was marked by his model of good governance. However, his repeated jumps across the political aisle have impacted his popularity and the electoral weight of his party, Janata Dal (United). Despite this, Kumar is now expected to once again join forces with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), a move that could reshape Bihar’s political dynamics.

Breaking Alliance with RJD, Eyeing BJP Partnership

In a critical shift, Kumar has ended his party’s two-year association with the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and is now likely to return to an alliance with the BJP. The BJP, already prepared with support letters for the JD(U) leader, has reportedly finalized a seat-sharing agreement for the upcoming Lok Sabha election.

A Decade of Flip-Flops: Nitish Kumar Resigns Again, Eyes BJP Alliance in Bihar’s Political Drama. Photo courtesy of Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs (GODL-India)/Wikimedia Commons.

Political Number Game in Bihar Assembly

The RJD currently holds the position of the single-largest party in the Bihar Assembly with 79 MLAs. However, even the RJD falls short of the halfway mark. The numbers in the assembly stack up as follows: RJD with 79 MLAs, BJP with 78, JD(U) with 45, and other parties contributing to the remaining seats. If Nitish Kumar and the BJP join hands, their combined strength would just surpass the majority mark, significantly altering the state’s political equation.

BJP’s Strategic Move in Bihar Cabinet

Amidst these developments, all BJP legislators in the state have reportedly extended their support to Nitish Kumar. There are talks of a potential reshuffle in the Bihar cabinet, with the BJP considering replacing RJD ministers with its own MLAs, a move that would consolidate the party’s position in the state.

Nitish Kumar’s latest resignation and the expected realignment with the BJP reflect the complex and dynamic nature of Indian politics. His political strategy, characterized by frequent alliance shifts, highlights the fluidity and tactical nature of party politics in India. This development could have significant implications for Bihar’s political future and the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.