News Analysis India

Tag: Bihar

  • Bihar: Bihar Floor Test: Nitish Kumar, has sent thousands of police and surrounded Tejashwi’s Patna residence: RJD

    Hours before a crucial floor test in Bihar’s assembly, senior police officers made a late-night visit to the residence of former Bihar Deputy Chief Minister and RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav. This visit came in response to allegations of ‘kidnapping’ made by RJD MLA Chetan Anand’s family. The unfolding events shed light on the intense political maneuvering ahead of the trust vote.

    Police Visit Amid Allegations

    On Sunday night, police visited Tejashwi Yadav’s plush residence following a complaint lodged with Patna Police. The complaint, filed by family members of RJD MLA Chetan Anand, alleged that he was ‘missing’ and possibly being held against his will at Yadav’s residence. However, upon police arrival, Chetan Anand clarified that he was present at Yadav’s residence voluntarily.Tension Escalates

    The arrival of police at Tejashwi Yadav’s bungalow led to heightened tension in the area, with a significant deployment of security personnel to maintain order. RJD supporters gathered outside the residence, expressing anger and chanting slogans.

    In response to the incident, the RJD accused Chief Minister Nitish Kumar of orchestrating the police visit to disrupt their preparations for the floor test. The BJP, on the other hand, dismissed these allegations, emphasizing their confidence in proving the NDA government’s majority.Reacting to the incident, the RJD took to X and alleged that Chief Minister Nitish Kumar sent police to Tejashwi Yadav’s residence, fearing his defeat in the floor test.”They want to enter inside the residence and do untoward incidents with the MLAs. The people of Bihar are watching the misdeeds of Nitish Kumar and the police. Remember, we are not among those who fear and bow down,” the party wrote in Hindi.Political Dynamics Ahead of Floor Test

    As the trust vote looms, both alliances are rallying their members. The Mahagathbandhan, comprising RJD, Congress, and Left parties, is asserting its unity with 114 MLAs. Meanwhile, the NDA government, led by Nitish Kumar, claims a majority with 128 members.

    Reports of ‘missing’ MLAs from both camps add to the intrigue surrounding the floor test. The NDA asserts its readiness, buoyed by JD(U) issuing a whip for all MLAs to be present. Additionally, BJP MLAs, previously housed in a Bodh Gaya resort, have returned to Patna.

    Leaders from both sides exude confidence in their respective camps’ strength. JD(U) MLA Shalini Mishra reaffirmed the NDA’s solidarity, while BJP leader Haribhushan Thakur projected a comfortable victory in the floor test.

    Janata Dal-United (JD-U) MLA Shalini Mishra, who did not attend the party meeting, said that she went to Delhi for some personal work.

    The JD-U MLA also asserted that the NDA alliance led by CM Nitish Kumar will win the floor test with full force, which is set to take place tomorrow.

    “There was nothing to doubt about this. I had gone to Delhi after informing the party leadership of some personal work and today I have returned. I want to say that NDA will pass the floor test with full force and we will work for the development of Bihar. No MLA has been put under house arrest. Everyone has freedom and this shows how secure and safe we are under the leadership of CM Nitish Kumar,” she said.

    JD-U leader KC Tyagi said, the “kind of fear and insecurity present in the RJD-Congress camp shows how unstable both parties are. This time, the opposition will have nothing to cheer about”.

    JD-U MLA Zama Khan said, “All MLAs have come.”

    Another party MLA Vinay Kumar Choudhary told ANI, “We are safe under the leadership of CM Nitish Kumar…It is confirmed (passing the floor test).”

    BJP leader Haribhushan Thakur said, “We will win the floor test with a comfortable margin. Nitish Kumar will remain our CM with two Deputy CMs and this govt will complete its term… Jitan Ram Manjhi is with us…”

    Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM) leader Jitan Ram Manjhi said that all MLAs (BJP, JD-U, HAM) will be present tomorrow and PM Modi has done a good job by bringing CM Nitish Kumar into his team.

    “Everybody is intact in NDA. We have 128 members and this figure may increase because today everybody holds PM Modi’s leadership in high regard. He has done a very good job by bringing Nitish Kumar with him. Our experiment will be successful on 40 Lok Sabha seats in Bihar. All MLAs (BJP, JD-U, HAM) will be present tomorrow,” he said.

    The Upcoming Trust Vote

    The Bihar assembly braces for a crucial trust vote on Monday, determining the fate of the NDA government. With political tensions running high, all eyes are on the assembly as the drama unfolds in the quest for majority support.

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  • Amid Nitish Kumar’s Flip-Flop, Rahul Gandhi’s Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra Enters Bihar |

    NEW DELHI: The Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, spearheaded by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, received a warm welcome as it entered Bihar on Monday, marking a significant juncture in its journey to mobilize public backing ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. In a sharp rebuke aimed at Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, Jairam Ramesh, a prominent figure within the Congress party, denounced the former’s move to ditch the ‘Mahagathbandhan’ ruling coalition in Bihar, labelling him as a ‘girgit’ (chameleon) for his selfish political manoeuvring.

     

    #WATCH | Congress’ ‘Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra’ enters Bihar, party leader Jairam Ramesh says, “After Nitish Kumar’s betrayal yesterday, the people of Kishanganj, Bihar are giving a great welcome to Rahul Gandhi and the Yatra. We had invited Mamata ji and also Nitish ji but he turned… pic.twitter.com/yNW7v5YkIo


    — ANI (@ANI) January 29, 2024

     

    The Yatra, a strategic move by the Congress ahead of the impending Lok Sabha polls, gained momentum as it traversed through Manipur, Northeast India, and West Bengal, culminating in its entry into Bihar. Rahul Gandhi’s presence in the state marks his first visit since the 2020 Assembly elections, reflecting the party’s renewed focus on the region.

    Nitish Kumar’s move to switch alliances according to his political interests has stirred controversy, with his recent realignment with the BJP-led NDA prompting criticism from erstwhile allies and opposition parties alike. The Congress’s alliance partners in Bihar, including the RJD and CPI(ML)-L, have been invited to join forces in a rally aimed at addressing Kumar’s political volte-face.

    During public addresses scheduled as part of the Nyay Yatra’s Bihar leg, Rahul Gandhi is anticipated to target Nitish Kumar over his latest political somersault. The Congress’s vehement reaction to Kumar’s alliance shift underscores the volatile political climate in the state.

    Meanwhile, the JDU has accused the Congress of attempting to hijack the political narrative, citing arrogance as a driving force behind the breakdown of the INDIA alliance. Nitish Kumar’s resignation as Chief Minister further underscores the discord within the political landscape, with implications for the broader INDIA platform.

    The Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, projected as a national movement for justice, began from Manipur’s Thoubal, spanning over 6,700 kilometres across 110 districts, and will culminate in Mumbai. This ambitious yatra signifies Congress’s concerted effort to galvanize public sentiment and consolidate support nationwide before the General Elections. 

  • tejashwi yadav: JDU will soon be non-existent: Tejashwi Yadav

    After Nitish Kumar parted ways with the grand alliance, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav conveyed his best wishes to Kumar and BJP while warning that the game has just begun.

    “I would always respect Nitish Kumar as he is like a guardian, and I have no grudges against him. I wish good luck to BJP which has taken him back into their fold,” Yadav told media persons in Patna. “But I want to say that the game has just begun. It’s not over yet. In last 17 months, we worked on every aspect of developing Bihar and handed record appointment letters for government jobs. The people of Bihar are with us.”

    Yadav told the media that JDU would become non-existent in 2024. Yadav and his party RJD had a fair idea of what was in the offing over the last few days. On Sunday morning, a full-page advertisement was published by the party giving credit to Yadav for several initiatives like caste survey, quota hike, government jobs and others. Yadav told the media that his party would take credit because all the ministers under whom the work was executed were from RJD.He said this would not impact INDIA bloc much and he would reach out to the people of Bihar.

    In the 2020 assembly elections, Yadav had set the narrative of unemployment which resonated well among the voters. As a result, though NDA formed the government with 125 seats and 35% vote share, the alliance of RJD, Congress and CPI(ML) secured around 36% votes and won 110 seats. RJD emerged as the largest party winning 75 seats.

    RJD leaders told ET that they will launch a special drive to reach out to the youth and all sections of society before the upcoming Lok Sabha and assembly elections.

  • rahul gandhi: JD(U) blames Cong’s obduracy for INDIA bloc collapse in Bihar, targets Rahul Gandhi

    New Delhi: The JD(U) on Sunday blamed the Congress for the collapse of the INDIA bloc in Bihar, saying its leaders were interested in strengthening their party and not the opposition grouping. Janata Dal (United) spokesperson K C Tyagi told reporters that a “caucus” within the Congress wanted to capture the INDIA bloc leadership and its president Mallikarjun Kharge’s name was proposed as the chairperson of the grouping as part of the conspiracy.

    The decision taken about Kharge at the INDIA bloc meeting earlier this month had shocked the JD(U), which believed that its president and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar would be named as the convenor without being saddled with any chairperson, its leaders had then said.

    Another JD(U) spokesperson, Rajib Ranjan, was more severe in targeting the Congress, alleging that it first sunk itself by trying to make a person who lacks any quality and harms the opposition alliance a prime minister. The comment was a likely swipe at Rahul Gandhi. Ranjan described the Congress as “bhasmasur” (mythological demon whose touch would burn down anyone).

    Hitting back at the Congress’ charge of opportunism against Kumar after he walked out of the opposition alliance and rejoined hands with old ally BJP, Tyagi said it is the obduracy of the main opposition party that derailed the INDIA bloc.

    He said the JD(U) had problems with the RJD, the main opposition party in Bihar, at a local level but squarely blamed the Congress for the development. “We have regret as well as relief that our leader who brought together the INDIA bloc has walked out of it,” Tyagi said. The Congress wanted to capture the ground of regional parties by making a disproportionate demand of seats in the states they are strong in, he said.

    The party “ordered” its allies like West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Bihar CM Kumar to join its Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra as if they were its workers, Tyagi added.

    The Congress never accommodated any ally in the states where it is strong, he said and cited several assembly polls.

    The INDIA bloc sorely lacked the optics needed to take on a grassroots party like the BJP, which is headed by a popular leader in Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he said.

  • Bihar Politics Updates: CM Nitish Kumar likely to resign by Sunday morning, says a source close to CM – The Economic Times Video

    Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, who heads the ‘Mahagathbandhan’ government, is likely to tender his resignation by Sunday morning, a source close to the CM said on Saturday. Talking to PTI, the source, who requested anonymity, said though the possibility of resignation by late Saturday evening could not be ruled out, “it would definitely take place by Sunday morning”.

  • RJD’s Manoj Jha rejects chances of JDU forming alliance with BJP: 'Just a rumour…'

    RJD’s Manoj Jha rejects chances of JDU forming alliance with BJP: 'Just a rumour…'

  • As Bihar Parties Welcome ‘Bharat Ratna’ To Karpoori Thakur, RJD Calls It ‘A BJP Poll Gimmick’ |

    New Delhi: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has welcomed the government’s decision to posthumously confer the Bharat Ratna on former Bihar Chief Minister Karpoori Thakur. Bihar Chief Minister and Janata Dal-United president Nitish Kumar too hailed the move, calling it a good decision by the Centre. However, JD-U’s ally RJD has termed the move as a “political gimmick” of BJP. “My political and ideological guru, Late Karpoori Thakur ji, should have received Bharat Ratna long ago. We raised this voice from the House to the streets, but the Central Government woke up when the present Bihar government of social concern conducted the caste census and increased the scope of reservation for the benefit of Bahujans. The fear is true; politics will have to focus on the concerns of Dalit Bahujan,” RJD president Lalu Prasad Yadav posted on X.

    Family Hails Move

    On Tuesday evening, the government announced its decision to award the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian honour, to Karpoori Thakur posthumously. Following the announcement, family members of the late Bihar CM exchanged sweets in recognition of the forthcoming Bharat Ratna honour. Soon after the government announced that Karpoori Thakur would be posthumously awarded the Bharat Ratna, his son and JD(U) MP Ram Nath Thakur said that he didn’t see it from the side of politics.

    “I want to thank the Central government from my side as well as on behalf of my party and people of Bihar…I don’t see it from the side of politics. His (Karpoori Thakur’s) 100th birthday is tomorrow so maybe in view of that Central govt took this decision,” Thakur said.

    LJP Expresses Gratitude To PM 

    Meanwhile, Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) president Chirag Paswan expressed express gratitude to the Government and the Prime Minister.

    “I express gratitude to the Government of India and the Prime Minister. Bharat Ratna for Karpoori Thakur had been a long-pending demand of the people of Bihar as well as the entire country…Today, the PM honoured that demand of the people” Paswan said.

    BJP Hails Move

    Bihar LoP and BJP MLA Vijay Kumar Sinha said that the PM has honoured all Biharis by honouring ‘Jannayak’ Karpoori Thakur with the Bharat Ratna. “We had made the demand from the PM earlier too. Last year, he had said that this would be considered seriously. The PM has honoured all Biharis by honouring ‘Jannayak’ Karpoori Thakur with the Bharat Ratna. Entire Bihar is expressing gratitude to the PM because this is an honour for the entire state,” Sinha said.

    Union Minister Pashupati Kumar Paras said that the decision taken by Prime Minister Narendra Modi is “historic.” “PM Narendra Modi has made a historic decision. The people of Bihar and the entire country are thankful to him for this decision…The PM made a historic decision. He will now be considered a messiah of the backward and Dalits,” Paras said.

    Moreover, BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad said that Thakur was such an honest leader that it is discussed even today. “He connected the poor, the deprived and the backward to the mainstream…I express gratitude to the Prime Minister for conferring the Bharat Ratna on him. This is an honour of the poor and their voice, of the backwards…Several of the previous governments used to think about only the people around them. Some of them thought only about their own families. Narendra Modi Government thinks about the entire country,” Prasad said.

    He further said that awarding Karpoori Thakur with Bharat Ratna is an honour of the poor, the backward of the country “For this much-awaited decision, I express my gratitude. Awarding Karpoori Thakur with Bharat Ratna is an honour of the poor, the backward of the country,” he said.

    BJP leader Shahnawaz Hussain thanked the Prime Minister on behalf of the entire people of Bihar. “It is good news for Bihar. ..I thank the central govt…he deserves it, this was a demand of the Bihar people…This was fulfilled when a poor person’s son became Prime Minister. I thank PM Modi on behalf of the entire people of Bihar. Karpoori Thakur was the real leader of Bihar, he did so many things for the state,” Hussain said.

    Union Minister Nityanand Rai expressed gratitude to PM Narendra Modi and said that Karpoori Thakur’s entire life was dedicated to the poor and deprived. “First of all, I would like to express gratitude to PM Narendra Modi. Karpoori Thakur’s entire life was dedicated to the poor and deprived…Those who do politics in his name never thought for him, they just did politics in his name. Parties formed the government with Congress but Karpoori Thakur did not get the honour,” Rai said.

    BJP MP Sushil Modi said that PM Narendra Modi has done that historic work which no other PM could do to date. “Narendra Modi has done that historic work which no other PM could do till date. Son of an OBC – Narendra Modi – has honoured a crusader of OBC with the Bharat Ratna. Nitish Kumar and Lalu Yadav used to demand the Bharat Ratna but why could they not do it when they were Union Ministers? Narendra Modi is fulfilling the dreams of Karpoori Thakur,” Sushil Modi said.

    Bihar BJP chief Samrat Choudhary called it a historic decision and thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi. “This is a historic decision. Thanks to the Prime Minister. By conferring the Bharat Ratna on ‘Gudri Ka Laal’, freedom fighter and former Bihar CM Karpoori Thakur, PM Modi’s government has enhanced the pride of Bihar,” Choudhary said. “Narendra Modi’s government has enhanced the honour of Bihar today. On behalf of everyone in Bihar, I thank him for awarding Bharat Ratna to ‘Gudri Ke Laal’, freedom fighter and former CM Karpoori Thakur…PM Modi guarantees that he will fulfil everyone’s dreams – be it Lalu Yadav’s, Nitish Kumar’s, Congress Party’s or Ram Vilas’s. Only PM Modi can fulfil everyone’s dreams,” he added.

    RLJD Says Historic Decision

    RLJD Chief Upendra Kushwaha said that it is a historic moment for all and for those who fought for poor and backward people. “It is a historic moment for all of us and for those who fought for poor and backward people. We are grateful to PM Modi for this decision. Karpoori Thakur deserved this and we have been demanding it for a long time but the Government of India did not listen to us. However PM Modi has done it,” Kushwaha said.

    Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh said that this honour was for the pride of the poor, the deprived – someone who had become an example with his simplicity and honesty – Jannayak Karpoori Thakur.

    Historic Decision Or Political Gimmick?

    While Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar praised the Centre, his alliance partner in the state RJD said it was done to get votes.
    RJD’s Mrityunjay Tiwari said the BJP was verbally abusing Karpoori Thakur when he was alive and did not remember him for 9 years.

    “Central Government decided to award Bharat Ratna to Karpoori Thakur. The BJP was verbally abusing him while he was alive and did not remember him for 9 years. Our party and leader Lalu Yadav were demanding Bharat Ratna for him continuously. Now that elections are near, they are remembering Karpoori Thakur and awarded him the Bharat Ratna. They are remembering him for votes,” Tiwari said.

    Bharat Ratna A Tribute To Thakur’s Social Justice Crusade

    Beyond the political discourse, the Bharat Ratna is hailed as a tribute to Karpoori Thakur’s relentless struggle for social justice. Known as ‘Jan Nayak,’ his commitment to uplifting the underprivileged sections of society is highlighted. The award recognizes Thakur’s monumental contributions to Indian politics, marked by a dedicated fight against social discrimination and inequality.

    Legacy Of Janata Dal Leader: A Lifelong Struggle For the Marginalized

    Karpoori Thakur’s legacy extends beyond party affiliations. His journey from the Praja Socialist Party to the Janata Dal reflects a commitment to affirmative action and the empowerment of the poor and marginalized. Born on January 24, 1924, and passing away on February 17, 1988, Thakur’s impact on Indian politics remains significant, with the Bharat Ratna serving as a posthumous acknowledgment of his enduring contribution.

  • BREAKING: Seat-Sharing In INDIA Bloc Will Take Time, Says RJD Supremo Lalu Yadav |

    NEW DELHI: Former Bihar Chief Minister and RJD supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav on Wednesday said that the process of reaching an agreement on seat-sharing within the opposition INDIA bloc is a time-consuming task. He also dispelled rumours of a discord with Janata Dal-United president and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. Speaking to reporters, Lalu stated, “Seat sharing does not happen so quickly in an alliance… it will take time.”

     

    Patna, Bihar | RJD chief Lalu Yadav says “Seat sharing does not happen so quickly in an alliance…. I will not go to Ayodhya to attend the pran pratishtha ceremony of the Ram Temple” pic.twitter.com/lvzN7hogQM
    — ANI (@ANI) January 17, 2024

     

    Lalu Declines Ayodhya’s Ram Temple Invite

    Simultaneously, the veteran Bihar politician declined an invitation to attend the Ram Temple Pran Pratistha ceremony scheduled for January 22 in Ayodhya. Clarifying his decision, Lalu told reporters, “I will not go to Ayodhya to attend the Pran Pratishtha ceremony of the Ram Temple.” Lalu further said that he would go to Ayodhya for a ‘darshan’ of Ram Lalla. He also said that he would write a letter to Ram Temple Trust member Champat Rai, explaining the reason for not coming to attend the ceremony. 

    INDIA Allies Grapple With Seat-Sharing Consensus

    Despite numerous rounds of discussions, INDIA allies continue to grapple with the challenge of reaching a consensus on seat-sharing for the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. The ongoing struggle further intensified with Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar declining the offer to become the convener of the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA).

    Growing Discord Within INDIA Bloc

    The Janata Dal (United) has expressed disappointment over the bloc’s failure to finalize seat-sharing arrangements and strategize for the upcoming parliamentary polls. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge emerged as the consensus chairperson, but West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee opposed Nitish Kumar’s candidature as convener.

    Seat-sharing talks in Bihar among the ruling coalition members faced hurdles over differences in seat adjustment and allotment. JD(U), Congress, and the Left parties, particularly CPI-ML (Liberation), played hardball during the negotiations.

    Kumar’s Strategic Move: Refusal To Become Convener Raises Stakes

    Despite being offered the post, JD(U) chief Kumar declined to become the convener of INDIA, reinforcing his commitment to not taking up any post in the coalition. This strategic move by Kumar keeps opposition parties guessing about his next steps, adding complexity to the ongoing political dynamics.

    Kumar’s refusal to become convener is anticipated to elevate his stature in Bihar politics. As a key figure in the state’s triangular politics, involving the RJD, BJP, and JD(U), Kumar’s decision provides him with multiple strategic options. The upcoming weeks are deemed crucial in Bihar politics, with all parties striving to align their equations effectively, according to political analysts.

  • BREAKING: Lalan Singh Steps Down As Janata Dal-United President, Sends Resignation To Nitish Kumar, Say Sources |

    NEW DELHI: In a major political development, Lalan Singh, the president of Bihar’s ruling party, Janata Dal-United (JDU), has tendered his resignation from his position, sources said on Tuesday.  As per sources, Lalan Singh, a key figure in JDU’s leadership, has forwarded his resignation to Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. This decision comes amid speculations and political discussions about the party’s future course of action.

    Resignation Not Accepted Yet

    As of now, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has not accepted Lalan Singh’s resignation. The political circles are abuzz with discussions about the possible reasons behind this unexpected move. The development is set to be officially addressed on December 29th during a crucial meeting in Delhi.

    Speculations Surrounding The Resignation

    While the exact motives behind Lalan Singh’s resignation remain unclear, political observers are actively speculating about its potential implications on the party’s internal dynamics. This unexpected move has added an element of uncertainty to the political landscape in Bihar, leaving many to ponder the possible ramifications.

    December 29th Meeting To Seal Fate

    All eyes are now on the crucial JDU meeting scheduled for December 29th in Delhi, where the fate of Lalan Singh’s resignation is expected to be determined. The party leadership is likely to provide insights into the reasons behind this development and outline the future course of action for the Janata Dal (United).

    This sudden turn of events within the JDU has not only triggered discussions within the party but also caught the attention of political analysts, making it a significant development in the current political scenario. It was earlier speculated that Nitish Kumar would soon remove Rajiv Ranjan Singh alias Lalan Singh as the Janata Dal (United) chief.

    While there is no official confirmation in this regard as yet, sources also said that Nitish Kumar may himself take over as the party chief. Nitish is also believed to have been advised by his close confidantes that he should take over as the party president as it will help avoid any rumbling within the party, which may otherwise be triggered if a new face replaces Lalan Singh.

    According to sources, Nitish Kumar is upset with Lalan Singh over the way he has been functioning and especially his growing proximity with RJD supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav and Deputy Chief Minister Tejaswi Yadav. Reports said Lalan Singh was keen on contesting the 2024 Lok Sabha elections again from Munger and he might contest on an RJD (Rashtriya Janata Dal) ticket.

    Reports said Nitish was also upset with Lalan Singh for his failure to co-ordinate well with INDIA bloc partners to fulfill his national ambitions.

    If officially removed as the party chief, Lallan Singh will join the league of other party senior leaders, like George Fernandes, Sharad Yadav, RCP Singh, Upendra Kushwaha and poll strategist Prashant Kishor, who were previously replaced, despite being extremely close to Nitish Kumar.

  • Nitish Kumar says ‘not upset’ with INDIA bloc’s proposal on Kharge’s name |

    In a move to end scepticism over a possible rift within the INDIA bloc, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar said he did not convey any willingness to get a post in the bloc, emphasising that he is not ‘upset’. 

    The chief minister added that he will be on board with whatever decision the bloc takes.

    The Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) bloc of the Opposition met in New Delhi last week for its fourth meeting. The meeting came after Congress suffered a major setback in three states – Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh. 

    During the meeting, key opposition leaders recommended Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge’s name for the prime ministerial post. 

    In August, Nitish Kumar had reiterated that he did not want the post of national convener of the INDIA bloc, adding that his move to drive the Opposition into unity was not motivated by “personal ambition.”

    Meanwhile, Congress MP Rahul Gandhi dialled up Kumar after reports surfaced that he is unhappy with the bloc and how it is advancing. The INDIA bloc meeting concluded with the decision that a call on seat sharing ahead of Lok Sabha elections 2024 would be taken soon. 

    Currently, the INDIA bloc has set a deadline of December 31 for seat sharing. The Opposition bloc has also decided to launch nationwide public meetings soon. A special focus will also be put on Uttar Pradesh ahead of 2024 Lok Sabha polls. 

    On the other hand, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has set a goal of securing 50 per cent vote share in the next Lok Sabha elections. The party has also announced the beginning of cluster meetings from January 15 while the Yuva Morcha will hold around 5,000 conferences across the country.

    The cluster meetings will be attended and addressed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and BJP President JP Nadda.

    Meanwhile, the BJP Yuva Morcha will begin a new campaign for new voters across the nation from January 24.