While hints of discontent in Bihar's Grand Alliance began to emerge around a month ago, it was the events of january 13 that ultimately caused nitish kumar to leave the india bloc. Kumar, who took his ninth oath as Bihar's chief minister on Sunday, stated that he left india because "not everything was alright". However, sources informed india Today tv that the JD(U) leader decided to cut relations on january 13 after the opposition bloc had a virtual meeting.
Kumar, who was already upset with congress for delaying seat-sharing discussions, was reportedly expecting to be designated the india bloc's coordinator. However, mallikarjun Kharge was finally picked as the Opposition alliance's chairperson after mamata banerjee suggested the congress chief's name.
According to reports, nitish kumar chose to end the relationship that same day. Miffed by the happenings during the video conference, Kumar had also stated that he did not want the position and that RJD supremo Lalu prasad Yadav should be appointed convenor.
From travelling throughout india to rally opposition politicians against the bjp to convening the first india bloc conference in patna just months ago, it was clear that Kumar had national ambitions, despite his own denials.
Following january 13, a close friend of nitish kumar visited a top Union Minister. After conferring with the BJP's top leadership, the Union minister gave the go light.
However, bjp state leaders were hesitant to welcome Nitish back into the nda fold after the JD(U) leader, nicknamed "Paltu ram," abandoned the nda in 2022 and returned to the RJD. In reality, Nitish cut his links with the RJD and rejoined the nda in 2017.
The bjp bihar leadership was summoned to delhi to address the matter. Aware of Nitish Kumar's flip-flops, the bjp appointed Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha, two of his harshest detractors, as deputy chief ministers. This was done to put nitish kumar under strict control.
This wasn't everything. The bjp would have more representation in the cabinet under the formula proposed during the 2020 government formation. However, the plum home Ministry will stay under the Chief Minister.
The allotment of seats for the lok sabha election will also be discussed. JD(U)'s desire for 17 seats under the 2019 formula may not be realised. This is due to the formation of new partners, such as the Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular) of Jitan ram Manjhi, and the dissolution of ram Vilas Paswan's party.
As a result, both the bjp and the JD(U) will have to withdraw from the 17-17 formula.