Nitish Kumar resigns as Bihar CM, poised for BJP comeback; Here's what he said...

Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar meets Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar at the Raj Bhavan and tenders his resignation letter.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar tenders resignation to Governor

In a major political development, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar met Governor Phagu Chauhan on Tuesday and conveyed his decision to sever ties with the ruling Mahagathbandhan alliance.

Nitish Kumar tendered his resignation as the Chief Minister of Bihar to Governor Rajendra Arlekar. The Governor accepted the resignation and deputed him as the Acting CM. pic.twitter.com/uaDXROe6PA

— ANI (@ANI) January 28, 2024

Speaking to the media, he said, "Today, I have resigned as the Chief Minister and I have also told the Governor to dissolve the government in the state."

#WATCH | Patna | Bihar outgoing CM and JD(U) president Nitish Kumar says, "Today, I have resigned as the Chief Minister and I have also told the Governor to dissolve the government in the state. This situation came because not everything was alright...I was getting views from… pic.twitter.com/wOVGFJSKKH

— ANI (@ANI) January 28, 2024

Oath ceremony at 5 pm

Reportedly, the oath ceremony might occur at 5 pm today, said the sources. Preparations have begun at Raj Bhawan for the swearing-in ceremony.

This comes amid intense speculation that Kumar is set to rejoin hands with the BJP-led NDA, ending the Mahagathbandhan government in the state.

The unfolding events were triggered by RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav's daughter taking a dig at Kumar's frequent ideological shifts, comparing the JD(U) to a weather vane. If Kumar defects to the NDA again, it would mark his fourth such switching of sides.

In the 243-member Bihar Assembly, RJD has 79 MLAs while BJP has 78. JD(U) has 45 seats followed by Congress at 19. Smaller parties and independents make up the remaining numbers.

After meeting the Governor, Kumar did not clarify his next steps. However, RJD leader Rohini Acharya reiterated her party's commitment to fight against communal forces till the end.

Nitish Kumar's next political maneuver is being closely watched. His exit from Mahagathbandhan will deal a body blow to the opposition bloc ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha Elections while bolstering BJP's position. The see-sawing allegiances in Bihar underline the flux confronting India's opposition space.