Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar held a significant meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday, marking their first encounter since the Janata Dal (United) leader's decision to realign with the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) last month. Kumar reaffirmed his commitment to the NDA, stating firmly that he has no intention of parting ways again.
After his discussions with Modi, Kumar also conferred with Home Minister Amit Shah and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president J P Nadda. Reports suggest their conversations delved into a range of governance and political matters pertinent to Bihar's future trajectory.
Expressing optimism about Bihar's progress, Nadda conveyed confidence in the state's development under Modi's leadership. He emphasized their constructive deliberations on various developmental aspects.
In his interactions with the media, Kumar reminisced about his longstanding association with the BJP since 1995, indicating his unwavering commitment to the NDA alliance. He iterated that despite past separations, he now remains steadfast in his allegiance.
These meetings come ahead of a crucial trust vote scheduled for February 12, wherein Kumar's government will face scrutiny in the Assembly. Additionally, discussions revolved around potential expansions in the council of ministers, reflecting the evolving political landscape in Bihar.
Both the BJP and JD(U) confront intricate challenges, particularly regarding seat allocations for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. The distribution of parliamentary seats among them and their smaller allies demands delicate negotiations.
During the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, the BJP and JD(U) contested 17 seats each in Bihar, with the then Lok Janshakti Party vying for six seats. The NDA coalition now includes additional players like former Bihar chief minister Jitan Ram Manjhi and former Union minister Upendra Kushwaha.
Speculation abounds regarding Kumar's desire to dissolve the Bihar Assembly, potentially aligning its election with the impending Lok Sabha polls. However, sources suggest potential hesitancy from the BJP, given its significant legislative strength compared to the JD(U).
When questioned about the intricacies of seat-sharing, Kumar downplayed the issue, implying that BJP leaders are cognizant of the arrangements. Meanwhile, Bihar braces for the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections, with six seats set to be contested on February 27.
(With Agency Inputs)
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