Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and Janata Dal (United) national president Lalan Singh convened a significant meeting with the party’s national office-bearers in Delhi, preceding the upcoming national executive and council meetings. The gathering assumed particular significance amidst swirling speculations about potential leadership changes within the party.
While rumors suggested the possibility of Lalan Singh stepping down from his position to facilitate Nitish Kumar’s leadership, inside sources clarified that no official communication about such a move had been conveyed by either leader.
Typically, the council meeting serves to endorse significant decisions made during the national executive discussions. However, the discourse primarily revolved around reviewing the political agenda slated for approval at the forthcoming apex bodies’ meetings.
Responding robustly to media queries about alleged resignations and internal strife, Lalan Singh quashed rumors, asserting the party’s unity. He dismissed the speculation as routine before a scheduled meeting, sentiments echoed by Kumar before departing from Patna to Delhi.
Amidst the buzz, Singh’s sarcastic retort to media reports on his resignation highlighted the party’s determination to maintain coherence. JD(U) chief spokesperson K C Tyagi dismissed notions of Bihar’s chief minister joining the BJP-led NDA, emphasizing the party’s stance against such a move.
The meeting also delved into critical issues, including caste census and Bihar’s increased reservation, expected to feature prominently in the upcoming gatherings. Prior to the office-bearers’ meeting, Lalan Singh’s visit to Kumar’s residence and their joint arrival at the party office aimed to project solidarity within the party.
The two leaders share a longstanding alliance, with Singh being a key ally of Kumar, barring a brief hiatus between 2010 and 2013. Ahead of departing for the national capital, Kumar affirmed that the two-day JD(U) conclave was standard, dismissing suggestions of upheaval within the party.
Speculations regarding Singh’s potential resignation due to perceived closeness to JD(U) ally Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) have been circulating, adding intrigue to the party’s internal dynamics.
As the JD(U) gears up for its pivotal meetings, the steadfast assertions of unity by its leaders stand as a testament to their commitment to maintaining coherence and stability within the party.
Sources By Agencies
