Recent reports suggest Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, colloquially known as “Paltu Ram” for his political actions , might be considering another switch of allegiances ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, shaking the foundations of the Mahagathbandhan. 

Full Story: 

The turning point in this unfolding drama occurred during the INDIA alliance meeting on January 13. CPM Leader Sitaram Yechury proposed Nitish Kumar as the Convenor, a suggestion backed by leaders such as Lalu Yadav and Sharad Pawar. However, Rahul Gandhi’s intervention to defer the decision, citing Mamata Banerjee’s reservations about Kumar, created a rift. Nitish Kumar perceived this as a hurdle to his goal and strategically decided to align with the majority, leading to speculation about his potential switch.

Source: The Week

The recent decision to confer the Bharat Ratna on Karpoori Thakur by the Centre is seen as a potential catalyst for Nitish Kumar’s reconsideration of political alliances. His history of oscillating between the BJP and RJD over the past 11 years, earning him the moniker “Paltu Ram,” adds intrigue to the unfolding political developments. Thursday’s meetings in Patna and the BJP’s summoning of state leaders to the national capital have fueled rumors of political realignments.

The JD(U) has expressed dissatisfaction with the delayed finalization of seat-sharing arrangements within the opposition alliance INDIA for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. Nitish Kumar’s exclusion as the convener in favor of Mallikarjun Kharge has led to public objections from JD(U) leaders, who are adamant about projecting Kumar as the prime ministerial candidate. This discontent adds to the growing tensions within the Grand Alliance.

Source: Hindustan Times

Nitish Kumar’s expression of gratitude towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi for honoring Karpoori Thakur, along with remarks on dynasty politics during a recent rally, has fueled speculations about a potential rift in Bihar’s ruling alliance. Despite JD(U) officials clarifying that Kumar’s comments were not aimed at Lalu Prasad, cryptic social media posts by Lalu’s daughter, Rohini Acharya, hinted at possible discontent within the RJD. Acharya’s posts, later deleted, alluded to ideological shifts and a lack of introspection.

Source: Times Now

As the exact trajectory of Bihar’s political landscape remains uncertain, Nitish Kumar’s history of political maneuvering keeps the door open for potential realignments. The JD(U)’s objections, Kumar’s expressions of gratitude towards Modi, and the ongoing controversies within the Mahagathbandhan raise questions about the stability of the current alliance. In the unpredictable realm of politics, alliances can shift, and as Nitish Kumar’s past indicates, there are no permanent friends or enemies.