Patna: Lalu Prasad Yadav, often referred to as Bihar's political strategist, has reached out to his former ally, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, and subsequently called for a key meeting of the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD). All party leaders have been told to attend this meeting, scheduled for January 18, 2025, after Makar Sankranti.
Political analysts say this meeting could lead to major shift in power dynamics, especially after independent MP Pappu Yadav hinted at an imminent political earthquake in Bihar.
In a letter from RJD General Secretary Abdulbari Siddiqui, the meeting is described as important, ordered directly by RJD supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav. This call comes at a time when Lalu has recently proposed that CM Nitish Kumar consider leaving the NDA to return to the Grand Alliance.
Nitish Kumar feeling uneasy within NDA?
Reports suggest that Nitish Kumar is feeling uneasy within the NDA. Following the Lok Sabha elections, where he gained 13 MPs, he is eager for early assembly elections.
However, the BJP is not keen to accommodate this timeline. There are speculations that Nitish aims to capitalize on his recent electoral success in Lok Sabha. His party currently holds the third position in Bihar’s assembly, a situation he finds unacceptable. JDU performed much better in Lok Sabha polls and Nitish wants early assembly polls to maintain this momentum.
Concerns over JDU’s stability and his own position have led Nitish Kumar to contemplate a departure from the NDA and rejoin the Grand Alliance. This move could complicate matters for the Central government.
Unpredictability of Bihar's political situations
While the RJD's press release says this meeting is a preparatory step for the forthcoming assembly elections later this year, the unpredictability of Bihar's political situations remains evident. Notably, last January, Nitish Kumar shifted from the Grand Alliance to the NDA. This shows the unpredictable nature of alliances in the region. The RJD meeting is set to take place at 11:30 am in the Ashok Hall of Hotel Maurya, Patna.
Khela Hoga: Tejashwi Yadav
Former Deputy CM Tejashwi Yadav has been vocal about the forthcoming changes in Bihar politics, frequently mentioning an impending change through oft-repeated phrase Khela Hoga". Pappu Yadav has also indicated that significant developments are expected post-Makar Sankranti.
In the current assembly, the BJP leads with 80 MLAs, followed by the RJD with 77, JDU with 45, and Congress with 19. The NDA coalition totals 131 MLAs, including independents and HAM, while the Grand Alliance stands at 111 MLAs, requiring 11 more for a majority. This precarious balance leaves the door open for various political maneuvers in Bihar.
Prakash Kumar Pandey
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