Nitish Kumar's Political Odyssey: A Decade of Flip-Flops
Why is Nitish Kumar making headlines?
Nitish Kumar, once hailed as the epitome of good governance, is now making headlines for his political flip-flops rather than his administrative achievements.
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ANI
Paltu Kumar???
Over the past decade, the leader has undergone significant transformations in political alliances, prompting many to dub him ‘paltu kumar,’ symbolizing his penchant for reversing political positions.
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ANI
From 'Sushashan Babu' to 'Paltu Kumar'
11 years ago, Nitish Kumar was synonymous with development in Bihar. His Janata Dal-United (JDU) governments focus on law & order reforms and welfare schemes earned him the title of Sushashan Babu.
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ANI
What’s now?
Fast forward to the present day, and Nitish Kumars political identity has shifted, with his propensity for flip-flops taking center stage.
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ANI
The Stable Alliance
Before the first break-up in 2013, the JDU-BJP alliance in Bihar was a symbol of stability. However, with the emergence of a new BJP leadership under Narendra Modi, Nitish Kumar, displeased with the partys direction, terminated the 17-year alliance.
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Quora
Lok Sabha Polls
The fallout was evident in the 2014 Lok Sabha polls, where the JDU, now contesting against the BJP, faced a substantial setback, securing only two seats.
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freepik
The Mahagathbandhan Episode
Post the 2014 Lok Sabha results, Nitish Kumar stepped down as Chief Minister, taking responsibility for his partys performance. The JDU, with the support of RJD, managed to form the government.
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X
Next state polls
The subsequent state polls saw the JDU aligning with RJD and Congress in the Mahagathbandhan, securing a significant victory. However, internal rifts and differences on crucial issues led to Nitish Kumars decision to break away in 2017, aligning with the BJP once again.
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X
The 2020 Bihar Polls
Returning to power in 2020, Nitish Kumar found himself in a diminished position within the NDA alliance. The BJP, surpassing the JDU in seat tally, diminished Kumars autonomy in decision-making.
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iStock
The Disagreements
Disagreements on issues like the National Register of Citizens heightened tensions, and in 2022, Nitish Kumar declared the end of the JDU-BJP alliance, aligning once more with the RJD.
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ANI
The Current Conundrum and Potential Split
Reports suggest that Nitish Kumar is contemplating yet another political reversal, possibly severing ties with the RJD. If this unfolds, it would mark his fifth flip-flop.
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ANI
More complex it is
Kumars involvement at the national level, particularly in forming the INDIA Opposition bloc, adds complexity to his shifting alliances. Speculations about an imminent split and his refusal to join Rahul Gandhis Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra hint a lot.
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X/@INC
Dropping Popularity and Electoral Decline
While Nitish Kumar has held the CM post for eight terms, his partys influence in Bihar has been on a decline. The JDUs seat tally has fallen from 115 in 2010 to 43 in 2020, indicating a waning popularity.
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ANI
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