New Delhi, February 07, 2024: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar held talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, marking their first meeting since the Janata Dal (United) leader switched allegiance from the opposition camp to join the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) last month. Kumar reiterated his commitment to the NDA, emphasizing that he won’t part ways again.
After meeting with PM Modi, Kumar also conferred with Home Minister Amit Shah and BJP president JP Nadda, discussing various governance and political matters concerning Bihar.
Addressing reporters afterward, the JD(U) chief reflected on his long association with the BJP since 1995, highlighting that although he had left the party twice before, he has no intention of doing so now. “Never now. We will remain here (in the NDA),” he affirmed.
These discussions come just five days before the Nitish Kumar-led government faces a trust vote in the Assembly on February 12. The swearing-in of eight ministers, including three from both the BJP and JD(U), has taken place, and further expansion of the cabinet is anticipated.
Both parties must navigate several complex political issues ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, including the allocation of parliamentary seats for contesting, involving smaller allies as well.
In the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, the BJP and JD(U) contested 17 seats each in Bihar, while the Lok Janshakti Party, now divided into two factions, contested on six. The NDA has expanded to include former Bihar Chief Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi and former Union minister Upendra Kushwaha.
There are speculations that Kumar might prefer to dissolve the Bihar Assembly to align its election with the Lok Sabha polls expected in April-May. However, sources suggest that the BJP, holding a stronger position in the House compared to the JD(U), might not favor this idea.
On the matter of seat-sharing, Kumar downplayed concerns, stating that BJP leaders are cognizant of the situation.
Additionally, Bihar is set to witness elections for six Rajya Sabha seats on February 27, as vacancies arise in the Upper House.
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