Bihar's political landscape witnessed a decisive moment as Chief Minister Nitish Kumar secured his majority in the state assembly through a trust vote on Monday.
However, the proceedings were marked by the absence of the RJD-led Opposition, which staged a walkout minutes before the crucial vote of confidence.
Kumar, leader of the Janata Dal (United), didn't mince words, accusing Tejashwi Yadav's party of engaging in corrupt practices, alleging they were enriching themselves at the expense of the state.
In a display of strength, Kumar initially demonstrated his majority through a voice vote, but later insisted on manual voting to reaffirm his mandate. Ultimately, he emerged victorious with 130 votes in favor and none against his government.
In a fiery address, Kumar launched scathing attacks on Tejashwi Yadav's parents, Lalu Yadav and Rabri Devi, suggesting their previous tenure was marked by misgovernance and corruption. He pledged to investigate allegations of corruption against RJD leaders, expressing disappointment over their purported malpractices despite the respect he had shown them.
Asserting his commitment to his new alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Kumar affirmed that he had returned to his roots and would not waver in his loyalty. Despite his efforts to foster unity among various political parties, including the INDIA bloc, Kumar lamented their failure to come together.
Meanwhile, Tejashwi Yadav, in a charged retort, ridiculed Kumar's political maneuvering, labeling him "paltu Kumar" and questioning his reliability. He demanded accountability from Kumar for his abrupt resignation and subsequent alliances, highlighting the perceived betrayal of their partnership.
The rift between Kumar and his former allies deepened as RJD, Congress, and the Left Front walked out of the Assembly following Yadav's impassioned speech. Earlier, Awadh Bihari Choudhary, an RJD member, was ousted as Speaker after failing a no-confidence motion, further underscoring the fractures within the political landscape.
Kumar's decision to break away from the mahagathbandhan and align with the BJP reshaped Bihar's political dynamics, leaving the opposition alliance teetering on the brink of collapse. Termed as a significant blow to the opposition's unity, Kumar's realignment signaled a strategic shift in Bihar's political equations, with potential ramifications extending beyond the state's borders.
Also Read | Samrat Choudhary Predicts BJP's Future Government Formation in Bihar
Also Read | Bihar Deputy Chief Ministers Hold Crucial Meetings with PM and HM in Delhi
