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Tag: Nitish Kumar

  • Nitish Kumar’s Govt Passes Floor Test In Bihar |

    New Delhi: In a significant development, the Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar-led government emerged victorious in the crucial floor test held on Monday. Garnering a solid show of support, the JDU-NDA coalition secured a confidence vote with a resounding 129 votes in favor of the government. However, notable was the absence of the RJD from the proceedings, as they walked out of the Bihar Vidhan Sabha prior to the commencement of the voting.

    Initially, the Deputy Speaker administered a voice vote, but at the behest of the ruling alliance, a formal voting process was initiated. The outcome was clear as day, with 129 votes firmly backing the Nitish Kumar-led administration, affirming their majority in the assembly. This successful passage of the floor test underscores the stability and confidence in the current governance framework, setting a decisive tone for the days ahead.

    “(A total of) 129 votes have been received in favour of the motion. There were zero votes against the motion. Thus, this House passes the trust vote,” the Speaker said on Monday.
     

    #BreakingNews | BJP-JDU की सरकार रहेगी बरकरार, बहुमत परीक्षण में नीतीश कुमार पास#NitishKumar #BiharFloorTest #Bihar #BJP #JDU | @ramm_sharma @jhapras pic.twitter.com/dEQalUlTvs
    — Zee News (@ZeeNews) February 12, 2024

    बिहार के CM नीतीश कुमार ने साबित किया बहुमत, पक्ष में पड़े 129 वोट और विपक्ष में 0 #NitishKumar #BiharFloorTest #Bihar #BJP #JDU | @ramm_sharma @jhapras pic.twitter.com/Z2b7Lkf4qD
    — Zee News (@ZeeNews) February 12, 2024

    Three Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) MLAs -Chetan Anand, Neelam Devi, and Prahlad Yadav went and joined the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in the State Assembly. On three RJD MLAs moving to the NDA side, RJD leader Bhai Virendra said that the public will not make them MLAs again.

    While addressing the Assembly, Nitish Kumar took a swipe at his former Mahagathbandhan ally Rashtriya Janata Dal and said that the latter indulged in “corrupt practices” during its rule in the eastern state. He also said that the current NDA government would initiate a probe into these practices.

    Earlier, the Bihar assembly passed the no-confidence motion against Bihar Assembly Speaker and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Awadh Bihari Choudhary ahead of the floor test of the Nitish Kumar government to prove its majority.

    The JD(U) has 45 MLAs in the House of 243 while its partners, the BJP and the Hindustani Awam Morcha-Secular (HAM-S), have 79 and four legislators respectively. The NDA has the support of 128 MLAs and the majority mark in the state assembly is 122.

  • Bihar CM Nitish Kumar Faces Crucial Floor Test Today, Can RJD Spoil BJP-JDU’s Party? |

    New Delhi: Bihar CM Nitish Kumar, who joined the NDA after a sudden change of alliance, has to show his majority in the assembly today. Before that, the political scene in Patna has heated up due to the ongoing meetings at Tejashwi Yadav’s residence. Is RJD of Lalu Yadav planning to play any game in the floor test? This question has been lingering in the political air for many days. Some RJD MLAs are staying at Tejashwi’s house with clothes and bags.

    On the other hand, JD(U) MLAs have been kept at Hotel Chanakya fearing the glow of the ‘lantern’. BJP MLAs have also been moved to another hotel. The scare of Operation Lotus that was in some states, is now the talk of Operation Lantern in Bihar. Meanwhile, the slogans of ‘Tejashwi is needed’ have definitely kept the ruling party’s heartbeat high.

    Does BJP-JD(U) Have Enough Numbers?

    The reason for the commotion in Patna before the floor test is the political number of 8. Actually, RJD has 79, Congress has 19 and Left has 19 MLAs. In this way, the grand alliance’s number reaches 114. They are only 8 MLAs short of majority. On the other hand, in the NDA camp, BJP has 78, JD(U) has 45, HAM i.e.

    Jitanram Manjhi has four and one independent MLA’s support. This number is 128, i.e. 6 MLAs more than the majority. If 7-8 MLAs break away or ‘vanish’, then it can be trouble for Nitish. Nitish will have to get the number of 122 to save power in the 243 seats of the Bihar assembly. 

    When Nitish Kumar had made the government with the BJP by turning his back, Tejashwi Yadav had said that the game would start now. For a week, the RJD camp has been shouting – this is the demand of every person, we want only Tejashwi government. One reason for Nitish’s heartbeat to rise is also that why is RJD claiming to form Tejashwi government without the numbers?

    A few hours ago, there was also news that Manjhi’s number is not working. A senior leader of the Left also met Manjhi. There, 2-3 MLAs did not reach the JD(U) meeting. Sources have revealed that Sudarshan Kumar Singh, Bima Bharti and Dilip Roy did not appear in the JDU meeting. One more game before the floor test today!

    State Parliamentary Affairs Minister Vijay Kumar Chaudhary did not pay much attention to the absence of two-three MLAs in the JD(U) MLAs’ meeting. He said that there are 128 MLAs in the NDA. We are in a majority situation. All our MLAs will be present in the House today. Before the confidence vote, a no-confidence motion will come against the Speaker. He told that if necessary under the rules, 38 MLAs will stand on their seats to support the proposal, after which the Speaker will have to hand over the conduct of the proceedings to the Deputy Speaker till a new Speaker is elected.

    Actually, the Deputy Speaker of the Assembly is Maheshwar Hazari from JD(U) and the Speaker is Awadh Bihari Chaudhary from RJD. In the past few days, there was a lot of discussion that some game could happen in Bihar through the Speaker. After all, the Speaker is supreme in the House.

    RJD spokesperson Shakti Singh Yadav said angrily that the arrival of the government officials in the party’s marathon meeting for two days proves that the government has not only lost the public mandate, but also the trust. This is RJD’s meeting. BJP is holding a workshop, so that is a Rasleela and RJD is holding a meeting with the MLAs, so the character is loose. The people of the government send the magistrate to find out which MLAs are on their own or not? This does not work in democracy.

    RJD’s Attack

    It was said on Lalu’s party’s ex-handle, ‘Nitish Kumar has sent police in thousands to surround Tejashwi ji’s residence due to the fear of losing the government. They want to enter the house by any means and do something unpleasant with the MLAs. The people of Bihar are watching the misdeeds of Nitish Kumar and the police.’ Many experts who keep an eye on Bihar’s politics believe that by changing sides repeatedly, Nitish Kumar’s popularity has decreased on one hand

  • 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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  • After Nitish Kumar, Many Others In Line For ‘Ghar Wapasi’ In NDA Ahead Of 2024 Polls |

    NEW DELHI: “It’s never too late to mend,” goes the adage, and in the ever-shifting landscape of politics in India, this rings especially true. As alliances evolve and partners realign, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) finds itself at the centre of attention once again, with several former allies contemplating a return to the fold ahead of the crucial 2024 elections.

    The BJP: The Architect Of The NDA 

    At the heart of the NDA stands the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), orchestrating the intricate dance of coalition politics. With the advent of the Narendra Modi era, the NDA witnessed a seismic shift in its composition after the 2014 and 2019 Lok Sabha elections. Now, as the countdown to the 2024 polls begins, attention turns to those allies who are either making a comeback or seriously considering it, following in the footsteps of Bihar CM Nitish Kumar’s recent U-turn.

    Modi-Shah Era And Its Impact On The NDA

    In 2013, when Narendra Modi was anointed as the BJP’s prime ministerial candidate, the NDA boasted 29 constituent parties. While the BJP swept the elections with 282 seats in the Lok Sabha, its allies clinched an additional 54 seats. However, in the subsequent five years of Modi’s tenure, 16 parties bid adieu to the NDA, signaling a period of flux and transition within the alliance.

    Departures And Realignments

    Lessons from 2014 and 2019 The run-up to the 2014 Lok Sabha elections saw the high-profile departure of Nitish Kumar’s Janata Dal (United), setting the stage for a series of exits by regional players such as the Haryana Janhit Congress and the Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam. Between 2014 and 2019, several other parties, including the Telugu Desam Party and the Rashtriya Lok Samata Party, followed suit, reshaping the NDA’s landscape.

    Recent Exits And Returns

    Shiv Sena, SAD, and JD(U) Post-2019, the NDA witnessed the departure of stalwart allies like the Shiv Sena and the Shiromani Akali Dal, while Nitish Kumar’s JD(U) made a surprising comeback following the Bihar Assembly elections in 2022. These developments underscore the fluid nature of coalition politics, where alliances can shift with the changing tides of public sentiment and regional dynamics.

    As the 2024 elections loom large, speculation abounds regarding potential returns to the NDA fold. Nitish Kumar’s departure from the opposition alliance signals a significant shift, with other influential figures like Chandrababu Naidu and Uddhav Thackeray also engaging in strategic dialogues with the BJP. Meanwhile, negotiations with regional heavyweights like the Akali Dal and the potential announcement from Jayant Chaudhary hint at further realignments on the horizon.

    Amidst these political manoeuvres, the NDA alliance appears poised for a resurgence, consolidating its position ahead of the electoral battleground. Yet, the road to power is fraught with challenges, requiring both new and returning allies to navigate the intricate web of coalition politics. As Prime Minister Modi’s ambitious “400 plus” slogan reverberates, the stage is set for a high-stakes showdown, with the Congress eagerly watching for any signs of weakness within the NDA camp.

     Who’s Next In Line For The ‘Ghar Wapasi’ In NDA?

    With Nitish Kumar’s recent defection setting the stage, the question on everyone’s mind is: who will be the next to heed the call of ‘Ghar Wapasi’ within the NDA alliance? As alliances shift and political fortunes fluctuate, one thing remains certain: the 2024 elections promise to be a watershed moment in India’s political landscape, with the NDA at the forefront of the action.

  • 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.

  • Nitish Kumar Takes Oath As Bihar Chief Minister For Record 9th Time

    Nitish Kumar takes oath as Bihar Chief Minister for a ninth time, rejoining the NDA with the BJP after resigning from the Grand Alliance government due to internal issues.

  • 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.

  • Nitish Kumar Breaks Away From Mahagathbandhan, INDIA Bloc; Check How Congress Reacted |

    Nitish Kumar today resigned as the Chief Minister of the Mahagathbandhan alliance and got the Bihar government dissolved via Governor Rajendra Arlekar. Talking to the media after tendering his resignation, Kumar said that he quit the INDIA bloc as all was not well within the alliance. In his first reaction to the political turmoil, Kumar said the state of affairs in the ‘Mahagathbandhan’ (grand alliance) formed one and a half years ago was ‘not good’.

    “I resigned as chief minister and requested the Governor to dissolve the government. The situation came to this pass as the state of affairs within the ruling alliance in Bihar wasn’t good. I sought the advice and opinions of everyone before coming to this decision. I took all opinions and suggestions to heart. The government is being dissolved today,” Nitish told reporters on Sunday.

    He said that the alliance that was formed one and a half years ago, was sailing through choppy waters. “Though we came together on the basis of a common minimum programme and promises to the people, we failed to live up to expectations and discharge our salient duties. Eventually, we fell out and even stopped being on speaking terms. I was left with no option but to sever all ties with the alliance,” he said.

    Meanwhile, the Congress compared Kumar with a chameleon for his frequent switchovers. “Nitish Kumar, who frequently changes political partners, is giving tough competition to the chameleons in changing colours. The people of Bihar will not forgive the experts of this betrayal and those who made them dance to their tune. It is quite clear that the Prime Minister and the BJP are scared of the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra and this political drama has been created to divert attention from it,” said Jairam Ramesh.

    बार-बार राजनीतिक साझेदार बदलने वाले नीतीश कुमार रंग बदलने में गिरगिटों को कड़ी टक्कर दे रहे हैं।

    इस विश्वासघात के विशेषज्ञ और उन्हें इशारों पर नचाने वालों को बिहार की जनता माफ़ नहीं करेगी।

    बिलकुल साफ़ है की भारत जोड़ो न्याय यात्रा से प्रधानमंत्री और भाजपा घबराए हुए हैं और उससे… https://t.co/v47tQ8ykaw
    — Jairam Ramesh (@Jairam_Ramesh) January 28, 2024

    Earlier today, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said that he talked with Lalu Yadav on the issue. “Earlier he and us were fighting together. When I talked to Lalu Ji and Tejashwi, they also said that Nitish is going. If he wanted to stay, he would have stayed but he wants to go. That’s why we already knew this, but to keep the India Alliance intact, if we say something wrong, the wrong message will be sent. This information was already given to us by Lalu Prasad Yadav and Tejashwi Yadav. Today that came true. There are many people in the country like ‘Aaya Ram-Gaya Ram’,” Kharge said.

  • Anurag Thakur takes jibe at I.N.D.I.A bloc amid rift rumors: 'Was bound to happen'

    Anurag Thakur takes jibe at I.N.D.I.A bloc amid rift rumors: 'Was bound to happen'