In a significant development within Bihar’s political landscape, Nitish Kumar has been unanimously re-elected as the President of the Janata Dal (United) during the party’s national executive meeting in Delhi. The re-election swiftly followed the resignation of Nitish Kumar’s aide, Lalan Singh, ending weeks of conjecture but inviting criticism from the BJP regarding the manner of Singh’s departure.
Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Lalan Singh dispelled rumors of internal rifts within the party, stating, “Anger? What anger? Why should I be angry? This is the first time I am hearing this word.” However, the BJP’s Vijay Kumar Sinha, the Leader of the Opposition in the Bihar Assembly, expressed that someone with self-respect wouldn’t accept such a farewell, emphasizing the lack of confidence in leadership.
Sources indicated that Singh’s removal stemmed from perceived proximity to the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), the JDU’s alliance partner in Bihar, fueling speculation about RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav’s potential ascension. Amidst claims of an imminent JDU-RJD merger by Union Minister Giriraj Singh, Tejashwi Yadav dismissed these allegations, accusing the BJP of attempting to destabilize the alliance.
Officially, Lalan Singh cited a need to focus on his constituency ahead of the upcoming election as the reason behind his resignation. This leadership change in the JDU occurs months before the 2024 Lok Sabha election, heightening discussions around Nitish Kumar’s aspirations and the party’s strategies.
While Nitish Kumar publicly denied personal ambitions and aimed at uniting anti-BJP parties, speculations rose following his exclusion as a potential PM candidate for the opposition bloc. Sources hinted at his dissatisfaction with Lalan Singh’s alleged failure to promote his name, hinting at underlying tensions within the opposition coalition.
The shift in JDU leadership grants Nitish Kumar more control over seat-sharing discussions within the opposition bloc for the Lok Sabha election, an issue he has consistently raised. However, the party’s electoral success in Bihar and Nitish Kumar’s potential candidacy as an opposition PM face remain contingent on securing more seats.
Critics highlight Nitish Kumar’s political maneuvering, particularly his abrupt split with the BJP in 2020, following the JDU’s poor performance. The 2025 Bihar Assembly election poses another crucial challenge for the JDU to reaffirm its position amidst the RJD’s growing influence.
Sources By Agencies
