CM Nitish Kumar Affirms Staying in NDA, Rejects Suggestions to Change Alliance

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has clarified that he is sticking to the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and there was no scope for entering any other political alliance.

The Chief Minister was addressing a gathering in Vaishali on Monday during his Pragati Yatra. Elaborating on his previous decisions to change his alliance, he said such advice were given by people who later lost their place.

"The mistake was made twice, but now I will remain in NDA. Those who suggested changing alliances were removed," Kumar said.

Reiterating his years of association with the NDA, he acknowledged that late Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee had helped him and also mentioned the collaborative efforts during the period.

Earlier on January 2, RJD Chief Lalu Prasad Yadav said that his door was open for Nitish Kumar.

Lalu earlier said, "My door is always open. Nitish Kumar should also keep his door open." On whether he would forgive Nitish Kumar if he returned, Lalu said, "Forgiving has been my job. If he comes back, I will forgive him without any problem. Everyone will work together."

Kumar in the Pragati Yatra at Vaishali announced development schemes worth crores of rupees, focusing the government's efforts on grassroots development.

CM Nitish Kumar claimed that Jeevika is a self-help group which empowered women, and CM Kumar said that it is the success model that the national model, Ajeevika, followed and took forward.

He further stated that such self-help groups are also found in urban areas. The scheme empowered women and resulted in their improved financial independence and self-confidence.

"Earlier, women did not speak much; now they are confident and financially stable. Such groups were rare in Bihar before we expanded the programme," Kumar said.

CM Nitish Kumar recalled his contributions to introducing self-help groups during his tenure at the Centre, emphasizing their role in empowering communities. He reaffirmed his government's commitment to promoting women's development through Jeevika and similar initiatives.