A day after Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's surprising switch back to the BJP-led NDA from the 'Mahagathbandhan', Congress leader Jairam Ramesh dismissed any significant impact on the opposition alliance. During the Congress' 'Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra' in Kishanganj, Ramesh playfully remarked on Kumar's move, stating, "Aaya Kumar, Gaya Kumar."
Downplaying the effects of Kumar aligning with the BJP-led NDA, Ramesh expressed confidence, stating, "It will not have any impact on the INDIA alliance… absolutely no impact. This is typical of Nitish Kumar. It is not 'Aaya Ram, Gaya Ram,' it is 'Aaya Kumar, Gaya Kumar.'" He went on to allege that Kumar's departure was orchestrated by the prime minister, accusing him of betraying the opposition cause.
Ramesh also claimed a political maneuver by the BJP during the 'Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra,' suggesting that PM Modi influenced Milind Deora's departure from the Congress to divert media attention. He stated, "When 'Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra' started on January 14 from Manipur’s Thoubal, PM Modi found the 'muhurat' to sway Milind Deora from the Congress so that the headlines become 'Milind Deora' instead of 'Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra.'"
According to Ramesh, the BJP, feeling pressure from the 'Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra,' persuaded Nitish Kumar, whom he referred to as the "flipping master," to switch sides, resulting in the recent political turmoil. Despite these developments, Ramesh highlighted the positive response received by the Congress in Kishanganj during the 'Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra.'
Nitish Kumar's latest political move, marking his fifth crossover in just over a decade, involved him taking oath as the Chief Minister of Bihar for the record ninth time. This decision, coming after a series of political twists and turns, is perceived as a setback for opposition unity ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha polls.
(With Agency Inputs)
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