In a significant political development, Nitish Kumar, the Chief Minister of Bihar, tendered his resignation after a crucial meeting with the governor. Speculations are rife that Kumar is set to join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA), marking a pivotal moment in the political landscape of the state.
Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar submitted his resignation to Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar on Sunday.
Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar submitted his resignation to governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar on Sunday, breaking away from the grand alliance less than 18 months after forming a new government in the state with the support of Lalu Prasad Yadav’s Rashtriya Janata Dal.
Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar hands over resignation letter to governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar.
Nitish Kumar met the governor at the Raj Bhavan following a meeting of Janata Dal (United) MLSs at his residence around 10.15am. The JD(U) president is expected to stake claim to form a new government with the Bharatiya Janata Party’s support.
Resignation and Meeting with the Governor:
The news of Nitish Kumar’s resignation sent shockwaves through the political circles of Bihar. After a closed-door meeting with the governor, Kumar officially stepped down from the position of Chief Minister. The reasons behind this move are yet to be fully disclosed, but political observers point towards a potential realignment of political alliances.“Today, I have resigned from the post of chief minister and I have also asked the governor to dissolve the government in the state…,” Nitish Kumar told the media outside the Raj Bhavan.
The governor has accepted Nitish Kumar’s resignation, and asked him to continue as caretaker chief minister till a new government is formed. Nitish Kumar was accompanied by senior minister Bijendra Yadav of the JD(U) when he went to the Raj Bhavan.“Honorable governor Shri Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar accepted the resignation of Honorable chief minister Shri Nitish Kumar and asked him to act as acting chief minister until alternative arrangements are made,” the Raj Bhavan wrote on social media X (formally Twitter).
Speculations of Joining BJP:
The most significant speculation surrounding Nitish Kumar’s resignation is his potential entry into the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance. While the details of this alliance are still emerging, the move suggests a strategic realignment aimed at consolidating political power in Bihar. Kumar, known for his pragmatic approach, may have assessed the changing political dynamics and opted for a shift to ensure stability and governance continuity.The BJP has the largest number of 17 MPs in Bihar, where the total number of Lok Sabha members is 40. The JD(U), headed by Nitish Kumar, has 16, while another NDA ally LJP, now split up between the uncle-nephew duo of Pashupati Kumar Paras and Chirag Paswan, has six.
Political Ramifications:
Nitish Kumar’s departure from the Chief Minister’s post and his rumored alignment with the NDA will undoubtedly have far-reaching consequences on the political landscape of Bihar. The realignment may lead to changes in the power dynamics within the state government, with the BJP likely to play a more prominent role.
Impact on Governance:
As Bihar has been grappling with various challenges, including economic issues and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the sudden political developments add a layer of uncertainty to the governance scenario. The transition of power, if it occurs, will necessitate adjustments and coordination among the political allies to ensure the smooth functioning of the government.
Public Reaction:
The public response to Nitish Kumar’s resignation and the potential realignment remains to be seen. Given Kumar’s popularity and his long-standing association with Bihar politics, citizens are likely to closely watch the unfolding developments and assess their implications for the state.In the Bihar assembly of 243, the RJD has 79 MLAs; followed by the BJP’s 78; the JD(U)’s 45′ the Congress’s 19, the CPI (M-L)’s 12, two each of the CPI(M) and CPI, the Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular)’s four seats, and the AIMIM’s one, plus one Independent legislator.
