The Underpinnings of the BJP’s Political Maneuver: Courting the Janata Dal (United)

News comes from the sources of Reader Wall, there are stirrings of re-orientation in the political landscape of India. The prominent Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has hinted recently at the possible return of one-time ally Nitish Kumar, from the Janata Dal (United). Following the absorption of former Karnataka chief minister Jagadish Shettar into the party ranks, the BJP gears up for the potential re-integration of yet another significant political figure.

Brief Backstory

The BJP has been locked in a fierce contest with the Congress party for supremacy in Indian politics. The signs point to many more leaders, likely from the Congress, joining the BJP ranks, especially in the run-up to the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. The recent developments take place against the backdrop of the 243-seat Bihar assembly, where the BJP currently holds 78, the RJD enjoying a slight advantage with 79, and the JD(U) trailing at 45.

Aiming High

The BJP has an ambitious goal for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls, aspiring to surpass its previous record of 303 seats garnered in 2019. To achieve this, the party is even considering forming alliances with parties it has previously had disagreements with, such as Kumar’s JD(U). In spite of the uneasy past and disagreements over policy matters such as the caste census and claims of poor governance, the BJP might be willing to bury the hatchet for a reformed alliance.

Potential Political Turnaround

A spokesperson from the BJP stated that a potential reunion with the JD(U) would signify a weakness in the opposition’s coalition and reaffirm the strength of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership. These views echo alongside the statement of BJP’s Rajya Sabha MP and former deputy CM of Bihar, Sushil Modi, who indicated that the BJP isn’t ruling out possible affiliations. Gleaning allies from former and newer partnerships may bolster the BJP’s position amidst competing coalitions.

Track Record and Speculations

Over the years, the BJP has indeed suffered the departures of prominent allies, such as Telegu Desam Party (TDP), Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP), Shiv Sena, and Shiromani Akali Dal. However, the BJP contends that it fulfilled its pact obligations, including the allotment of Cabinet berths. Consequently, the BJP has strategically allied with new partners, such as AIADMK, JDS, the Jana Sena, a faction of Shiv Sena led by Eknath Shinde, a faction of NCP led by Ajit Pawar, and Janayak Janata Party.

Future Prospects

The BJP’s prospect of a reunion with the JD(U) is internally perceived as a strategic move that could positively influence the results of the 2024 polls and the state elections in the following year. In a region like Bihar, where caste has a significant impact on voter decisions, the augmentation of the JD(U) into the BJP’s ranks could pose a significant threat to the opposing parties.