Why Nitish Kumar left INDIA bloc to rejoin BJP-led NDA?

Nitish joins BJP

Nitish Kumar resigned as the Chief Minister of Bihar on Sunday and sought to form a new government with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), despite having severed ties with them less than 18 months ago.

End of alliance with RJD

The resignation marked the end of his alliance with Lalu Prasad Yadavs Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), with whom he had formed the government in Bihar in 2022 along with other Left parties.

Setback for India block

Nitish Kumar was a significant figure in the Oppositions INDIA bloc, and his departure is anticipated to impact the alliance of 28 Opposition parties just before the Lok Sabha Elections 2024.

Change in stance

Despite having stated in 2023 that he would rather die than align with the BJP, Nitish Kumar joined hands with the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). The reasons behind this shift are evident.

Nitish Kumar says...

Nitish Kumar cited that not everything was alright as the reason for his resignation and the decision to dissolve the Bihar Assembly on Sunday.

Congress to be blamed?

The JD(U) spokesperson, KC Tyagi, blamed the collapse of the INDIA bloc in Bihar on the Congress, alleging that some Congress leaders were more interested in strengthening their party than the opposition grouping.

Caucus within the Congress

Tyagi claimed that a caucus within the Congress aimed to capture the INDIA bloc leadership, and Mallikarjun Kharges name was proposed as the chairperson, leading to dissatisfaction within the JD(U).

Nitish rejected convenor's post

Nitish Kumar had earlier rejected the post of INDIA convenor, and Tyagi accused a section of the Congress leadership of repeatedly insulting Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar.

Seat-sharing is the reason!

The delay in seat-sharing talks with the Congress and their alleged lack of plans to fight against the BJP were cited as additional reasons for the collapse of the INDIA bloc.

What next?

While strained ties with the RJD were acknowledged at the local level, JD(U) leaders squarely blamed the Congress for the latest developments, emphasizing Nitish Kumars move to take control of the JD(U) organization.