In a surprising turn of events, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is poised to make his second political volte-face in less than two years, with sources indicating that the JD(U) President is expected to tender his resignation on Sunday morning.
As anticipation looms, RJD leaders engaged in extensive deliberations on Saturday evening, strategizing the course of action in the event of Kumar calling off the alliance and potentially returning to the NDA camp.
Meanwhile, BJP leaders convened in Patna on Saturday, refraining from a formal announcement of support to the JD(U) chief in the event of his withdrawal from the ‘Mahagathbandhan.’ The BJP has scheduled another meeting of party MLAs and MPs at 9 am on Sunday.
Nitish Kumar has called a meeting of JD(U) MPs and MLAs at his residence at 10 am on Sunday. According to sources, several JD(U) MLAs have already met the Bihar CM, and those who haven’t reached the state capital are urged to do so promptly.
The BJP MLAs are expected to gather at Nitish Kumar’s residence, where they will present a letter of support to the chief minister. Following a joint NDA meeting, Nitish is anticipated to be chosen as the leader of the NDA legislators, according to sources.
Subsequently, MLAs will proceed to Raj Bhavan with the letter of support. Nitish Kumar is set to tender his resignation and stake a claim for a new government with the backing of BJP MLAs. The process will culminate in seeking a time slot from the governor for the oath-taking ceremony.
In a move indicating a significant shift, Nitish Kumar is reportedly planning to remove all ministers from the Lalu Prasad Yadav-led Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and potentially replace them with BJP figures. Furthermore, reports suggest that the BJP and JD(U) have finalized a seat-sharing agreement for the upcoming Lok Sabha election, scheduled in three months.
While BJP leaders have refrained from making categorical statements regarding support for Nitish Kumar, the unfolding political developments in Bihar are set to reshape the state’s political landscape.