Sharad Pawar Contemplates Nitish Kumar’s Defection from Mahagathbandhan to NDA
Our sources report that Nationalist Congress Party stalwart, Sharad Pawar, expressed his surprise following Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s sudden departure from the mahagathbandhan or grand opposition alliance. His move to rejoin the Bharatiya Janata Party’s alliance, also known as NDA, occurred this Sunday and raised many questions.
Change of Heart for the Janata Dal (United) President
Sharad Pawar, the NCP chief, openly questioned what factors influenced the Janata Dal (United) president, Nitish Kumar, to abandon one of his significant projects – the INDIA bloc. This group, designed to counter the BJP in the impending 2024 Lok Sabha elections, seemed to represent a core part of Kumar’s political ideology. Pawar opined that Nitish Kumar’s sudden shift in loyalties may perhaps have repercussions in future elections.
Critical Remarks on Nitish Kumar’s Decision
Unreservedly critical of Nitish Kumar’s action of leaving the mahagathbandhan within the state, Sharad Pawar was quoted saying: “He opposed the BJP then completely changed his stance. What may have incurred this change is uncertain, but voters will certainly impose consequences for his actions in future elections.”
Unprecedented Political Shift
Sharad Pawar highlighted the surprising nature of such a remarkable political shift, stating that he has never seen such a radical change occur so rapidly. He recollected that it was Nitish Kumar who initially rallied all non-BJP parties in Patna. Despite his previous commitment to opposing BJP, Nitish Kumar has betrayed his ideology by joining the BJP and taking office as Chief Minister.
Political Ramifications of Kumar’s Decision
Nitish Kumar’s recent decision to cut ties with the Lalu Prasad Yadav-led Rashtriya Janata Dal and reestablish his association with the BJP is viewed as a significant setback for the INDIA bloc, especially with general elections on the horizon.
Kumar’s Previous Attempts at Alliance Formation
Upon his departure from the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in 2022, Nitish Kumar attempted to unify opposition forces to jointly challenge Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the ruling party in the national elections. However, with his recent return to the BJP, his previous efforts appear to have been in vain.
Rival Parties’ Take on Kumar’s Decision
Congress, RJD, DMK, JMM, TMC, CPI(ML)-L, and AAP leaders criticized Nitish Kumar for his sudden change, which resulted in a setback to the INDIA bloc. Notably, Congress general secretary, Jairam Ramesh, accused Nitish Kumar of creating political drama and expressed that this betrayal would not go unnoticed by Bihar’s citizens.
Response from Other Political Leaders
Several political leaders, including Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, admitted their suspicions regarding Nitish Kumar’s potential defection. RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav cautioned the BJP, stating that Nitish Kumar did not enjoy sharing credit with allies whilst Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav remarked that the BJP’s power has waned significantly. AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi was also critical of Kumar’s actions.
(Complied from our various correspondents)
