Nitish Kumar

The Nitish Kumar-led government has granted Z-plus security cover to the newly appointed Deputy Chief Ministers, Samrat Chaudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha, as stated in the notification. Additionally, BJP's Lok Sabha MP Rajiv Pratap Rudy has also been accorded Z-plus security cover.

In response to Rahul Gandhi's remarks during a public rally in Purnea district, Kumar stated, "His claim that the caste survey in the state was done under pressure from the Congress is nonsensical. Everybody knows that the initiative was taken by me only. Now, people are taking credit."

Gandhi highlighted the demand for a caste census for social justice, comparing it to an X-ray of society. He emphasized the under-representation of OBCs in bureaucracy, corporate houses, and media. The Congress leader accused Nitish Kumar of compromising with the BJP against social justice, following pressure to conduct a caste survey.

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.

Ramesh, speaking with reporters during the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra in West Bengal, compared Kumar to a chameleon, stating, "What can I say? I said yesterday 'aaya Kumar, gaya Kumar.' Nitish Kumar gives tough competition to a chameleon." The phrase 'aaya Ram gaya Ram' was used in the 1990s to describe frequent floor-crossing and party-switching.

Addressing the strained relationship with RJD leaders, Kumar attributed his decision to sever ties with them to their continuous criticism. He mentioned that RJD leaders had been making several unfavorable statements against him, making collaboration challenging.

Nitish Kumar was part of the Samata Party, which later evolved into the JD(U), and aligned with the BJP to share power both at the Centre and in the state. His first term as Chief Minister was marked by improvements in law and order and innovative policies like sub-quotas among OBCs and Dalits. Despite belonging to the Kurmi community, a non-dominant caste, Kumar successfully navigated Bihar politics.

"I have exited the Mahagathbandhan," Kumar stated after leaving Raj Bhawan, highlighting the challenges within the alliance. Subsequently, he received a surprise call from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, congratulating him for leaving the Mahagathbandhan and aligning with the NDA, according to sources.

The decision to resign followed a meeting chaired by Kumar with party MLAs at his official residence. Speculations suggest that a new government, potentially backed by the BJP, could be established by the evening, according to reliable sources.

Additionally, the BJP has held a core committee meeting at its headquarters, with all MLAs in attendance. They are expected to collect signatures from the MLAs and present them to Nitish Kumar.