The real reason Nitish Kumar skipped the big opposition meet

Bihar Chief Minister, Nitish Kumar, explained his absence from the recent opposition parties’ press conference following the formation of the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA), aimed to challenge the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Nitish Kumar clarified that he had not attended the press conference because he wanted to return to Rajgir, quelling speculation over his nonattendance.

The BJP had criticized Nitish Kumar’s absence, alleging his discontent over not being appointed the convenor of the opposition meeting held in Bengaluru. Reports also suggested that the Janata Dal (United) supremo was opposed to the alliance’s chosen name. However, the Chief Minister dismissed these claims, even casting doubt on the credibility of the BJP leader, Sushil Modi.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar responds to speculations on missing opposition press meet. Photo courtesy of Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs (GODL-India)/Wikimedia Commons.

The opposition’s two-day conclave concluded on Tuesday, with 26 parties forming the INDIA alliance to combat the BJP in the next Lok Sabha elections. Over the coming months, the alliance plans to discuss a seat-sharing formula and the potential prime ministerial candidate.

The BJP questioned the identity of the united opposition’s front face. Several opposition leaders have shared their views on the potential prime ministerial candidate. Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Satabdi Roy stated that West Bengal Chief Minister, Mamata Banerjee, was the prime candidate, while Congress leader Eshwar Khandre asserted that Rahul Gandhi would be the country’s next prime minister post the Lok Sabha elections 2024.