In a bold display of grassroots defiance, JDU supporters stormed the streets of Patna Thursday, protesting vehemently against rumors that Chief Minister Nitish Kumar plans to shift to Rajya Sabha. ‘Change Nitish? Then hold elections!’ rang the chants outside his official residence, signaling a potential mutiny within the party.
Rajiv Ranjan Patel, a key JDU figure, spearheaded the rally, where hundreds gathered to affirm their allegiance. He lambasted the sudden developments, revealing how Holi joy turned to sorrow upon hearing the news. ‘No JDU leader celebrated today. We’ve given everything for Nitish to lead Bihar, not abandon it midway.’
The unrest stems from whispers of a high-level strategy to reposition Nitish, prompting accusations of a conspiracy orchestrated from Delhi. Amid the chaos, a significant announcement loomed: Nitish’s son, Nishant Kumar, would take JDU membership later in the day, a move some see as grooming the next generation while unsettling the current guard.
Patel was unequivocal: ‘We won’t let Nitish file papers for Rajya Sabha. Bihar’s voters chose him as CM through 2030. If others fancy the chair, let them win it at the polls.’ Reports of emotional calls from women workers and cadres in distress painted a picture of profound loyalty, with many questioning why consultations bypassed the foot soldiers who campaigned door-to-door.
Contrasting slightly, Sanjay Singh tempered the rebellion, noting party discipline must honor Nitish’s wishes. Yet, he aligned with the crowd’s plea: ‘Bihar needs its guardian at the helm. The public is restless at the thought of losing him.’ This internal pushback arrives as Bihar’s alliance government navigates delicate balances, with today’s events thrusting worker sentiment into the spotlight.
The protest not only stalled immediate moves but amplified calls for democratic accountability. As Nishant’s entry unfolds, all eyes remain on whether Nitish bows to party pressure or charts his parliamentary path, leaving Bihar’s leadership in suspense.