NEW DELHI: Whereas swirling rumours concerning Bihar’s Chief Minister and JDU President Nitish Kumar probably severing ties with the RJD are afloat, insiders have revealed that the Lalu Yadav faction is meticulously strategizing to safe the required 122 seats to proceed to rule the state even when the JDU exits the Mahagathbandhan.
Quest for Majority: RJD’s Strategic Strikes
Ought to Nitish Kumar certainly withdraw from the coalition, the RJD should safe an extra eight MLAs to maintain its governance sans the JDU. To bridge this hole, the RJD is eyeing potential defections from Jitan Ram Manjhi’s faction, the AIMIM, and different unbiased legislators.
Narrowing The Margin
Studies recommend that 4 floating MLAs from Manjhi’s group, together with a legislator from AIMIM and an unbiased MLA, might align with the RJD, bringing the tally to 121, simply 2 wanting the required majority. Presently, the ruling alliance instructions 160 MLAs, with the RJD main with 79 seats. Notably, JDU holds 45, Congress 19, CPI-ML 12, CPI 2, CPI-M 2, and one unbiased. In distinction, the opposition, comprising the BJP with 78 seats, Manjhi’s Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular) with four MLAs, and AIMIM with 1 MLA, stands poised to use any potential rifts.
Manjhi’s Prediction
Former Bihar Chief Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi has forewarned of a rupture within the alliance, asserting that Nitish Kumar will sever ties with the RJD post-January 25. “Maine kaha tha khela hoga aur khela ho gaya (I had mentioned that recreation will occur, it has occurred),” he had mentioned whereas talking to reporters. Once more on Friday, Manjhi mentioned that the ruling Mahagathbandhan (grand alliance) authorities won’t final for lengthy.
The HAM president mentioned that by seeing the statements of his former ally and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, he had sensed earlier that there could be a change within the state. “Not too long ago I had mentioned that there could be a change in Bihar after January 20 and the premise of this was Nitish Kumar’s assertion. He has mentioned many issues towards RJD…On this foundation, we mentioned that the alliance wouldn’t work. Their alliance won’t final for lengthy. Nitish Kumar’s dream of turning into PM has been shattered… Due to this fact, after breaking the alliance, he might contest the Lok Sabha elections independently or be a part of the opposite alliance,” Manjhi mentioned.
Manjhi’s assertions, coupled with Nitish Kumar’s current statements, trace at a seismic shift in Bihar’s political panorama, probably paving the way in which for realignments and unbiased electoral bids.
A Fractured Alliance: Indicators of Discontent
Echoing Manjhi’s sentiments, speculations over Nitish Kumar’s allegiances gained traction following his ascent to occasion presidency, intensifying after current occasions, together with the Centre’s announcement of Bharat Ratna for Karpoori Thakur. Nitish’s expressions of gratitude in the direction of the Centre, juxtaposed with criticisms of dynastic politics, have fueled tensions inside the coalition, as evidenced by Rohini Acharya’s pointed tweets on X, swiftly deleted thereafter.
As Bihar braces for potential upheavals, the fragile equilibrium inside the ruling coalition hangs within the stability, with every maneuver and assertion holding the potential to reshape the state’s political trajectory.
