On 28 January, Janata Dal (United) leader Nitish Kumar resigned as the Chief Minister of Bihar. By bringing a conclusion to the unfolding political events. Nitish handed his resignation letter and letters with the support from BJP legislators to Governor Rajendra Arlekar.
After accepting the resignation, the Governor asked Nitish Kumar to continue his administrative duties as the caretaker Chief Minister until a new government is formed in Bihar. According to some reports Nitish will be sworn in as Chief Minister for the ninth time. Alongside two Deputy Chief Ministers from the BJP, in an oath-taking ceremony scheduled for Sunday at 5 PM.
Nitish Kumar, the Janata Dal (United) leader, resigned as the Chief Minister of Bihar today. He informs Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar about his party’s decision to end ties with the Mahagathbandhan. This Mahagathbandan included the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and the Congress. Speaking to reporters outside Raj Bhavan in Patna, Nitish Kumar expressed that he had requested the Governor to dissolve the government in the state. He explained, “Today, I have resigned as the chief minister, and I have also told the Governor to dissolve the government in the state.”
Nitish Kumar further clarified that the decision arose due to disagreements within the coalition. He stated, “This situation came because not everything was alright…I was getting views from everyone. I listened to all of them. Today, the government has dissolved.” Nitish Kumar announced the termination of ties with the Mahagathbandhan to the Bihar Governor.
Earlier in 2022, Nitish Kumar had severed ties with the NDA. There he resigns as the chief minister and joining the Mahagathbandhan with Lalu Yadav’s RJD, the Congress, and the Left parties. Reports suggest that Nitish Kumar, upon taking oath as the chief minister again, will appoint new ministers from the BJP.
Current Scenario in Bihar Assembly after resignation of Nitish Kumar:
After breaking away from the ruling alliance, Nitish Kumar is expected to return to the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). The RJD remains the single-largest party in the 243-member Bihar Assembly with 79 MLAs but falls short of the required majority of 122.
With Nitish Kumar’s defection, the Mahagathbandhan, which had 159 MLAs, is now eight MLAs short of staking a claim to form the next government in Bihar. The Congress holds 19 MLAs, while the BJP remains the second-largest party with 78 MLAs.
Bihar Political Crisis Unfolds: 10 Key Developments
1. JD(U) Ditches Opposition Alliance:
After days of uncertainty, Nitish Kumar and his party Janata Dal (United) opted out of the struggling Opposition alliance and anticipated to align with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
2. Nitish Kumar Resigns as Chief Minister:
The 72-year-old leader met Bihar Governor Rajendra Arlekar and submitted his resignation as the Chief Minister. Which marks his eighth resignation in a political career marked by shifts across political aisles.
3. BJP Suggests Cabinet Reshuffling:
Instead of Nitish Kumar stepping down, sources suggest the BJP proposed reshuffling the Bihar cabinet by replacing RJD ministers with its own MLAs.
4. BJP MLAs Extend Support: All BJP MLAs in Bihar have reportedly given letters of support to Nitish Kumar. The BJP and JD(U) have finalized a seat-sharing agreement for the upcoming Lok Sabha election.
5. RJD and Congress React:
The announcement sent RJD and Congress into discussions to strategize their plan of action post-Nitish Kumar’s exit. JD(U) was a significant part of the Opposition’s INDIA bloc. By aiming to challenge Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls.
6. Composition of Bihar Assembly:
In the 243-member Bihar Assembly, the RJD has 79 MLAs, followed by BJP’s 78, JD(U)’s 45, Congress’s 19, CPI (M-L)’s 12, two each of CPI(M) and CPI, Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular)’s four seats, AIMIM’s one, plus one Independent legislator.
7. RJD Leaders’ Meeting:
RJD leaders gathered at the residence of national vice-president Rabri Devi, sharing her bungalow with Tejashwi Yadav and Lalu Prasad. Discussions centered around the unfolding situation.
8. Tejashwi Yadav’s Statement: A
ccording to sources, Tejashwi Yadav remarked, “Whatever remained undone in two decades, we managed to get it done within a short time – be it jobs, caste census, increasing reservation, etc. ‘Bihar mein abhi khel hona baki hain’ (The game is yet to begin in Bihar).”
9. JD(U) and BJP Seat-Sharing Agreement:
The JD(U) and BJP have finalized a seat-sharing agreement for the upcoming Lok Sabha election, further solidifying their alliance.
10. Opposition’s Future Strategy:
With the political landscape in Bihar undergoing significant changes, the Opposition, particularly RJD and Congress, is strategizing their future moves in response to Nitish Kumar’s decision to break away from the alliance.
