Bihar Political Crisis Highlights: Nitish Kumar likely to resign by Sunday morning

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ISRO on Saturday said its meteorological satellite INSAT-3DS has been flagged off to Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) SHAR at Sriharikota for the launch onboard GSLV F14.

Several key donor countries told UN that they would halt their funding for Palestinian following accusations by Israel that several UNRWA staff were involved in Hamas's October 7 attack.

UNRWA responded saying it had fired several staff over Israel's accusations, promising a thorough investigation into the claims, while Israel vowed to stop the agency's work in Gaza after the war.

Here are the allegations:

--Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong said on Saturday that while UNRWA provides "vital, lifesaving work", Brisbane would "temporarily pause disbursement of recent funding".

--Canada's International Development Minister Ahmed Hussen on Friday announced that Ottawa had "temporarily paused any additional funding to UNRWA while it undertakes a thorough investigation into these allegations".

--Finland, which had a four-year agreement to provide five million euros ($5.4 million) annually to UNRWA, suspended its payments and called for an "an independent and thorough investigation", in a statement from its foreign ministry.

--We must make sure that not a single euro of Finland's money goes to Hamas or other terrorists," it said.

--Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said it was joining the ranks of those suspending funding, adding, "We are committed to providing humanitarian aid to the Palestinian population while protecting Israel's security."

--Switzerland, which has made annual contributions of around 20 million Swiss francs ($23 million) to UNRWA, said Saturday no decision would be taken on the 2024 payment until the accusations were clarified.

--The British government said it was "appalled by the allegations" made by Israel and would be "temporarily pausing any future funding" while the Foreign Office reviewed the claims.

--The head of UNRWA, Philippe Lazzarini, has vowed to hold "accountable, including through criminal prosecution", any agency employee found to have been involved in "acts of terror".

INS Visakhapatnam along with a US and French warship proceeded to provide assistance to MV Marlin Luanda’s distress call about fire on board. A firefighting team from INS Visakhapatnam comprising ten Indian Naval personnel with specialist firefighting equipment embarked on MV Marlin Luanda in the early hours of 27 January 2024. After six hours of battling the fire along with a crew of MV Marlin Luanda, the Indian Naval firefighting team successfully brought the fire under control. The team is currently monitoring the situation to rule out any possibility of re-ignition

BJP MLAs & MPs will meet tomorrow at 10 am at the Party office in Patna to further chalk out the strategy over the latest political situation in Bihar.

Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin says, I am going for an 8-day visit to Spain. Large numbers of MoUs have been signed already at the Global Investor Conference which was held recently in Chennai. I am going to participate in the investor's conference in Spain. I will have direct meetings with the major companies in Spain to invest in Tamil Nadu.

Jammu and Kashmir SSP Kupwara Yougal Manhas reported that they busted a cross-border terror module in a joint operation and arrested 5 terror associates from Karnah. The case is being investigated expeditiously in a comprehensive manner to further unearth the conspiracy regarding the smuggling of arms and ammunition and proscribed material/contraband.

Amid ongoing developments in Bihar, all political parties in the State held meetings today with party leaders and legislators in Patna after likelihood that Chief Minister Nitish Kumar may jump ship to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA), Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) Chief Sharad Pawar said that it is just a speculation as nothing has been finalised yet. The NCP is an ally of the JDU in the INDIA bloc.

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said, we aim to take the Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER) to 50% by 2030, the indicators in this direction are very positive after the implementation of the new education policy. Looking at all this, we can say that in the coming days, our education system is moving towards what Prime Minister Modi has talked about, women's leadership development, he added.

I am eagerly looking forward to the most memorable gathering of #ExamWarriors, 'Pariksha Pe Charcha', to collectively strategise on ways to beat exam stress, said PM Modi.

Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal attended a programme held at Vidya Bharati Multipurpose Educational Project, outskirts of Guwahati and inaugurated a hostel. He said, everybody knows that 'Vidya Bharati' educational programme has been introduced to encourage traditional value system.

--In the meeting, Wang stressed Taiwan issue is China's internal affair, election cannot change the fact Taiwan is a part of China

--Wang told Sullivan biggest challenge to china-us relations is 'Taiwan independence', US must abide by the 1-China principle

Bihar CM 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. The source, who requested anonymity, said the possibility of resignation by late Saturday evening could not be ruled out, it would definitely take place by Sunday morning.

Rohan Bopanna created history after winning men’s doubles final teaming up with his Australian partner Matthew Ebden to defeat the Italian pair of Simone Bolelli and Andrea Vavassori in the finals of the Australian Open 2024

Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) decided not to withdraw support from the Nitish Kumar government in Bihar. The decision was taken in a meeting held at the official residence of deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav located at 5 Circular Road in Patna where all MLAs unanimously decided not to withdraw support from Nitish government.

Indian Navy reported that they have deployed INS Visakhapatnam in the Gulf of Aden as response to distress call from MV Merlin Luanda on the night of 26 January. The MV has 22 Indian and 01 Bangladeshi crew onboard. As per the MV Merlin Luanda request, INS Visakhapatnam has deployed Ship's NBCD team along with firefighting equipment to render assistance to the crew towards augmenting firefighting efforts onboard the distressed MV

--PM Modi addressed the 84 th All India Presiding Officers’ Conference virtually in Mumbai

-- He said, in last ten years, 2,000 outdated laws were scrapped

--Young elected representatives should be given more opportunity in legislative committees for more participation in policy-making

--Work underway on `one nation, one legislative platform' concept through E-Vidhan and Digital Sansad

Rouse Avenue Court issued summons to Bihar former CM Rabri Devi, daughters Misa Bharti, Hema Yadav and other accused. The court also issued a production warrant for businessman Amit Katyal, who is presently in Judicial Custody in the case. Special Judge Vishal Gogne while passing the order says, there are sufficient grounds to take cognizance. The court has fixed February 9, 2024 for the appearance of the accused persons before the court.

BJP held a meeting in Patna with its core committee members to discuss its plans for Lok Sabha polls. The meeting was held amid a major political turmoil in Bihar as Nitish Kumar is expected to break the mahagathbandhan in the state by joining BJP-led NDA alliance. Vinod Tawde, BJP National General Secretary said that they will start work for Lok Sabha (elections)

Evidence collected by the ASI from the Gyanvapi structure reconfirms that the Mosque had been constructed after demolishing a magnificent Temple, said Alok Kumar, International Working President, Vishva Hindu Parishad.

RJD held an emergency meeting in the backdrop of rumours suggesting that Nitish Kumar will switch alliance and join BJP-led NDA. The meeting involved depositing mobile phones outside the gates. Discussions centered on the strategy to be adopted if Kumar ends the alliance. While some RJD leaders favor staking a claim to form a new government, others, including Tejashwi Yadav, are cautious as the JD(U) and BJP together hold more than 122 members in the 243-strong assembly.

Amid rumours of Nitish Kumar breaking mahagathbandhan in Bihar, RJD held an emergency meeting. After the meeting, RJD leader Manoj Kumar Jha said that a positive meeting was held. The party have authorised Lalu Yadav to take the decision.

ISRO said, India’s unique inexpensive space platform, POEM-3 that launched XPoSat on January 1, 2024, has successfully achieved all its objectives. With the orbital decay and reentry of POEM-3 in 75 days, PSLV-C58 XPoSat mission will be leaving zero debris in space.

As the Bihar BJP core committee meeting concluded in Patna, Union Minister Giriraj Singh told reporters, Nitish Kumar is still the CM and Tejashwi Yadav is the Deputy CM, what can I say on this.

Bihar BJP chief has said that they are monitoring the situation in Bihar. Suspense looms in Bihar as Nitish Kumar is expected to make his return to NDA soon. Reports suggest that Nitish will tender his resignation today.

-Aryna Sabalenka defeats Zheng Qinwen, defends her Australian Open title in Melbourne.

-This is Sabalenka's second Grand Slam title

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge wrote to West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee to issue directions to appropriate authorities to ensure safe passage to 'Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra' passing through the state

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge has tried to speak with Bihar CM Nitish Kumar, but has been unable to connect on several occasions, says Jairam Ramesh on reports of JD(U) returning to BJP-led NDA

- Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) leader Chirag Paswan on Saturday "strongly" raised his party's concerns and received "assurances" in a meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah and BJP president J P Nadda amid a strong buzz about Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar rejoining hands with his former ally.

- Paswan said, "We have had our concerns which grew amid these reports but without any authorised information on the developments in Bihar. I strongly raised my concerns in the meeting and received assurances on many issues." His party will finalise its stand when the situation becomes clear in the coming days, he said.

- Union Home Ministry has informed Kerala Raj Bhavan that Z+ Security cover of CRPF is being extended to the Governor and Kerala Raj Bhavan.

- Janata Dal (United)'s political adviser and spokesperson K C Tyagi on Saturday made it all but clear that the grand alliance government in Bihar is on the verge of collapse and accused a section of the Congress leadership of repeatedly "insulting" Chief Minister Nitish Kumar.

- "The INDIA bloc is on the verge of collapse. The alliance of INDIA bloc parties is almost over in Punjab, West Bengal and Bihar," he said.

- Amid indications of an upheaval in Bihar that may bring the BJP back to power, its state in-charge Vinod Tawde on Saturday blamed the Congress for the imminent "break up" of Nitish Kumar, the JD(U) president, with the opposition India bloc.

- Tawde, who is here to attend a party meeting scheduled later in the day, however, kept cards close to his chest when asked if the BJP will help Kumar form a new government.

- He said, "We wonder if Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's 'Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra' has become an INDIA alliance todo (break up) Yatra. It has caused Mamata Banerjee to break up. Now the same is being done to Nitish".

- Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Saturday said his party's alliance with the Congress is "off to a good start" with 11 "strong" Lok Sabha seats in Uttar Pradesh. The state sends 80 members to the Lower House of Parliament and elections are due in April-May.

- The state sends 80 members to the Lower House of Parliament and elections are due in April-May.

- Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Saturday said his party's alliance with the Congress is "off to a good start" with 11 "strong" Lok Sabha seats in Uttar Pradesh. The state sends 80 members to the Lower House of Parliament and elections are due in April-May.

- The state sends 80 members to the Lower House of Parliament and elections are due in April-May.

- Top leaders of the JD(U) on Saturday rushed to the residence of Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, the party president, amid strong indications that he was planning to quit the ruling 'Mahagathbandhan' and revert to the BJP-led NDA.

- Leaders like former national president Rajiv Ranjan Singh, 'Lalan', minister and national general secretary Sanjay Kumar Jha and state legislative council chairman Devesh Chandra Thakur reached 1, Anney Marg, the CM’s official residence here, around the same time when a meeting of legislators of the RJD, the JD(U)’s current ally, was underway.

- Amid speculations of his party's realignment with JD(U) president and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, senior BJP leader Radha Mohan Singh on Saturday met Governor Rajendra Arlekar.

- RJD leaders in Bihar on Saturday gathered at party president Lalu Prasad's home here amid fears that the party might be ditched by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar.

- Besides Prasad, his son Tejashwi Yadav, who is the Deputy CM, and wife Rabri Devi, a former chief minister, were present at the meeting attended by senior leaders, including members of the state legislature.

- Incidentally, the RJD is the largest alliance partner in the Mahagathbandhan which includes Congress and three Left parties and falls eight members short of majority in the assembly in the event of Kumar's JD(U) pulling out.

- BJP appoints election in-charges and co-in-charges for States and Union Territories in view of the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

- Baijayant Panda will be the new in-charge of Uttar Pradesh. Vinod Tawde appointed as election in-charge of Bihar.

- RJD leaders arrive at the residence of party leader and Bihar deputy CM Tejashwi Yadav in Patna

- Party leader Abdul Bari Siddiqui says, "Whatever decision will be taken, will be told to you (media)."

- Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) president Chirag Paswan said, "It was important to know what is happening in Bihar today. On this issue, I held a meeting with Amit Shah and JP Nadda ji today."

- "I have kept my concerns before them over Bihar. They have given assurance on various issues. The situation is very positive regarding the alliance," he added.

- He further said that in the coming days, the situation will become more clear, and after that, the party will take a stand. "We are a part of NDA today," he said.

- Former Janata Dal (United) president Rajiv Ranjan (Lalan) Singh arrives at the residence of Bihar CM Nitish Kumar, in Patna.

- Union Minister Giriraj Singh arrives for the BJP's Core Committee meeting, in Patna.

- JD (U) leader Sunil Kumar Pintu said, "...NDA has the numbers. Earlier too, NDA had the numbers and govt was formed under the leadership of Nitish Kumar."

- "In the interest of Bihar, the government should be formed again by forming an alliance," he added.

- BJP MP and former Bihar Deputy CM Sushil Kumar Modi, Union Minister Nityanand Rai arrive for the party's Core Committee meeting, in Patna.

- Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) president Chirag Paswan meets Union Home Minister Amit Shah and BJP National President JP Nadda, at the Union Home Minister's residence in Delhi

- BJP National President JP Nadda arrives at the residence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi. Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) president Chirag Paswan is also present.

- BJP Bihar President Samrat Chaudhary arrives for the party's Core Committee meeting, in Patna

- England 101-1 in 17.1 overs. (Duckett 39, Pope 27), trail India by 89 runs in 1st Test.

- England 101-1 in 17.1 overs. (Duckett 39, Pope 27), trail India by 89 runs in 1st Test.

- After inaugurating the Brahmeshwarnath Dham with CM Nitish Kumar, Union Minister Ashwini Choubey said, "Whatever is the god's wish, will happen... The first time around, I only brought him (Nitish Kumar) here, and today also I have brought him..."

- BJP Bihar President Samrat Chaudhary arrives at the residence of Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM) leader Jitan Ram Manjhi, in Patna.

- "Everything will be known in some time," says Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) president Chirag Paswan on Bihar political situation, in Delhi.

- Congress’ ‘Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra’ will enter Jharkhand on February 2, and Rahul Gandhi is scheduled to address public meetings in Pakur district to kick off proceedings in the state, a party leader said on Saturday.

- The yatra will be held in two phases, covering 804 km in 13 districts over a period of eight days, Jharkhand Congress president Rajesh Thakur told PTI.

- Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar arrived at Shri Baba Brahmeshwarnath Dham to lay the foundation of the second phase of development works in Buxar's Brahmpur.

- "Nitish Kumar is currently the Chief Minister of Bihar. Lalu Prasad's led RJD and Congress are the alliance partners of the Mahagathbandhan government in Bihar. Our Central leadership is monitoring the situation…Our Central leaders will take decisions accordingly", the Union Rural Development minister said.

- Amid speculations about the return of Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's Janata Dal (United) to the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), Union Minister Giriraj Singh on Saturday said the BJP central leadership is "monitoring the political situation in Bihar".

- Talking to PTI Singh said "Our Central leaders will take decision accordingly".

- BJP Chief Whip Bihar Legislative Council, Dr Dilip Jaiswal said, "Anything is possible in politics. We can consider any formula or factor to ensure that the country gets a strong government under the leadership of Narendra Modi in 2024."

- "If Nitish ji thinks that not Mahagathbandhan, but the country should get a new govt under PM Modi, then BJP's doors are open for such people even till a day before the elections...There is no Lalan Singh or Ashok Choudhary factor," he added.

- At least three girls died and 10 others were injured when a bus carrying students of a private coaching centre collided with a truck in Odisha’s Nayagarh district, police said.

- The accident took place at Sahalabhanga jungle in Daspalla area when the bus with 50 students was heading towards Bolangir district for a picnic on January 26.

- Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar flags off new fire tender vehicles of the Bihar Fire Department in Patna

- "Nitish Kumar is known only for his work not for making political moves", Neeraj said when asked about the return of the JD(U) to the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA).

- Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's JD(U) on Saturday maintained that "there is no confusion" among the 'Mahagathbandhan' (grand alliance) partners in Bihar.

- Talking to PTI, senior JD(U) leader, Neeraj Kumar said those who are speculating about the current situation in Bihar need to clarify.

- He said, "There is no confusion among the alliance partners of the Mahagathbandhan in Bihar. When we (ministers of RJD) are sitting together in the state cabinet meeting, attending Republic Day function, then where is the confusion".

- As per ANI, Enforcement Directorate has written to Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren asking him to provide a date for questioning on January 29 or 31, or else the agency itself will go to him for questioning.

- This is in connection with a money-laundering case linked to an alleged land scam

- Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD)'s spokesperson Mrityunjay Tiwary said, "If something unprecedented happens tomorrow, we are ready to face the consequences."

- Speaking to PTI, Tiwary said, "As far as the current political situation in the state is concerned, as reported in a section of media, it becomes the responsibility of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar to clear the picture. Since he is heading the Mahagathbandhan government in the state, he must clarify the situation".

- Amid the turmoil in Bihar, alliance partner Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) on Saturday claimed that "all is well" in the grand alliance government in the state.

- Talking to PTI, RJD spokesperson (state unit), Mrityunjay Tiwary said, "All is well in the grand alliance government in the state... things are normal as of now".

- Amid the turmoil in Bihar, alliance partner Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) on Saturday claimed that "all is well" in the grand alliance government in the state.

- Talking to PTI, RJD spokesperson (state unit), Mrityunjay Tiwary said, "All is well in the grand alliance government in the state... things are normal as of now".

- In a special Saturday sitting, Supreme Court stays all proceedings in Calcutta High Court which led two judges passing orders against each other.

- SC also stays order directing CBI probe into the alleged medical college admission scam.

- The case has been posted for further hearing on January 29.

- The Maharashtra government on Saturday issued a notification to recognise as Kunbis all blood relatives of the Maratha community members whose Kunbi caste records have been found.

- India 436 all out in first innings (Jadeja 87, Rahul 86, Jaiswal 80; Root 4-79).

- India lead by 190 runs against England in 1st Test.

- The national capital on Saturday recorded a minimum temperature of 4.3 degrees Celsius, four notches below the season's average, according to the India Meteorological Department.

- The city was still highly polluted, with its overall Air Quality Index, or AQI, at 9 am recorded at 402 under the 'severe' category, according to the data by the Central Pollution Control Board.

Maratha Reservation LIVE Updates: Maha CM Shinde and Manoj Jarange Patil together garland the statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj

- Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Manoj Jarange Patil together garland the statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj

- Bihar RJD leader Mrityunjay Tiwari said, "Nitish-Tejashwi government is working strongly in Bihar and it will continue to do so. This government is working for the benefit of Bihar."

- "When there is no distance between their hearts, then the distance between the chairs does not matter...The BJP is scared about 2024 (general elections) and this is why they are opening doors for all," he added.

- He further said that the current state of confusion should be brought to an end.

- Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange on Saturday said he has called off his protest over the reservation issue, saying the Maharashtra government has accepted all the demands.

- Chief Minister Eknath Shinde is set to meet Jarange. Both of them are likely to address the people present there.

- RJD MP Manoj Kumar Jha said, "All this is a rumour. And the restlessness which has arisen due to this rumour can only be taken care of by CM Nitish Kumar... Bihar is a topic of discussion in the whole country, and for good reason."

- "I don't see any rift. In the end, the head of this 'mahagathbandhan' is Nitish Kumar. Lalu Prasad and Tejaswi Yadav laid the foundation, the purpose of which was to defeat the hate politics being done by PM Modi," he added.

- The government of Odisha has declared January 27, today, the day of the dedication of the Samalei project in Sambalpur by CM Naveen Patnaik, as a public holiday.

- All government schools and colleges in the state will remain closed today.

- Rohan Bopanna and his Australian partner Matt Ebden will face Italy’s Simone Bolelli and Andrea Vavassori in the men's doubles final in Melbourne today at 3.15pm IST.

- JD (U) MLC Neeraj Kumar said, "Nitish Kumar ji is the elected CM of the state. He does not aspire for any post. Those who have confusion in their mind should know better. Who can target those who have the arrow in their own hands?..."

- Amid the turmoil in Bihar's ruling 'Mahagathbandhan', the opposition BJP has called a meeting of its MPs and MLAs on Saturday apparently to discuss the upcoming Lok Sabha polls.

- According to BJP state unit chief Samrat Choudhary, the meeting will deliberate on the party's strategy for the general elections, the dates for which are yet to be announced.

- Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange Patil to end his fast today in the presence of Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde after the government accepted demands

- As per reports, JD(U) MLA Gopal Mandal on January 26 said that Nitish Kumar wasn’t respected in Mahagathbandhan and may join the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA).

- The Biden administration has approved the sale of F-16 fighter jets to Turkiye following the Turkish government's ratification this week of Sweden's membership in NATO

- The move came just hours after Turkiye deposited its “instrument of ratification” for Sweden's accession to NATO with Washington, which is the repository for alliance documents and after several key members of Congress lifted their objections.

- BJP state in-charge Vinod Tawde said, "There is a meeting of Bihar BJP leaders to discuss the upcoming Lok Sabha elections."

- The state executive meeting of Bihar BJP has been called on 27th and 28th January in Patna.

- The Bihar government on January 26 transferred 22 IAS, 79 IPS and 45 Bihar Administrative Service (BAS) officers.

- The transferred officers included five district magistrates (DMs) and 17 SPs.

- According to a notification by the general administration department, Patna DM Chandrasekhar Singh, a 2010-batch IAS officer, has been made special secretary in the chief minister's secretariat.

- Yemen's Houthi rebels on Friday stepped up attacks on vessels transiting the Red Sea, including a hit that sparked a fire on a fuel tanker operated on behalf of trading firm Trafigura.

- More here.

- Maratha reservation activists are seen celebrating in a video after Manoj Jarange Patil announced to end the protests today as the government has accepted their demands

- Nitish Kumar may return to the BJP-led NDA with former state deputy chief minister and BJP Rajya Sabha member Sushil Kumar Modi asserting that "doors are never closed permanently" in politics.

According to Congress leader Acharya Pramod Krishnam, there are speculations that Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar may return to the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). Krishnam also stated that Kumar has lost his credibility due to his decisions and actions. The Janata Dal (United) and its leaders have damaged the INDIA bloc, which was a new hope for the opposition. Krishnam suggested that Congress should contest the elections alone in the entire country rather than relying on support from other parties. He believes that such a significant battle cannot be fought by relying on crutches.

In 2017, Nitish Kumar ended his alliance with the grand alliance. This decision was made because Tejashwi Yadav, who was serving as the deputy chief minister, did not provide a detailed response to the corruption charges that were leveled against him. Following this, Nitish Kumar returned to the NDA fold and contested the 2019 Lok Sabha election and the 2020 Bihar assembly election with the BJP.

Nitish Kumar shared power with the BJP in the state since 2005, but severed ties in 2013 over Narendra Modi's projected candidacy. He contested the Lok Sabha election alone, calling for a 'Sangh-Mukt Bharat'. He then formed a grand alliance with the RJD and Congress to become CM again in the 2015 state assembly election.

Bihar's Chief Minister and JD (U) President, Nitish Kumar, appears to be ready to leave the grand alliance for the second time and join the NDA. This would be his fourth time switching sides in over a decade.

The BJP, which had previously refused to work with him, has now softened its stance and is open to the possibility of Nitish rejoining the NDA. They hope that his appeal among non-Yadav OBCs, EBCs, and SCs will pay off in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

Nitish's importance to the political landscape of Bihar cannot be overstated, as its politics is tri-polar, and he can tip the scales in favor of any alliance he joins. Both the RJD and BJP will continue to consider Nitish an essential figure for this reason.

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