Political Tug-of-War in Bihar: RJD Eyes Majority, Nitish Kumar Keeps Options Open

Amidst speculation of a possible Bihar Legislative Assembly dissolution, political maneuvers are heating up in the state. The Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) is calculating their chances of securing a majority without the Janata Dal (U), led by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. With the current legislative strength, the Grand Alliance falls eight MLAs short of an absolute majority if the JD(U) pulls out. To prevent any RJD poaching attempts, Nitish Kumar has called his party MLAs to Patna.

Meanwhile, the recent Bharat Ratna award bestowed upon former Bihar CM Karpuri Thakur is seen as a potential indicator of a renewed BJP-JDU alliance. Further fueling this speculation is Nitish Kumar’s possible absence from the reception for Rahul Gandhi’s Bharat Jodo Yatra at the Bihar border.

Adding to the political drama, RJD chief Lalu Yadav held meetings with key allies Bhola Yadav and Shakti Singh Yadav, while RJD MLAs also visited him. Former JD(U) President Lalan Singh and Minister Vijay Kumar Chaudhary were seen meeting Nitish Kumar, while BJP state president Samrat Chaudhary and Union Minister Ashwini Kumar Choubey were summoned to Delhi by their party leadership.

Further fueling the fire, Lalu Yadav’s daughter Rohini Acharya indirectly criticized Nitish Kumar’s comments against family rule in the RJD through social media. She called out those who “change ideals with the wind,” which was later deleted. However, the BJP quickly capitalized on this, accusing Nitish Kumar of being insulted.

With all eyes on Bihar, the political landscape is complex and fluid. The RJD’s pursuit of a majority without the JD(U), the potential BJP-JDU alliance, and Nitish Kumar’s strategic moves are keeping everyone on their toes. The coming days will likely reveal which direction Bihar’s political drama takes.