Bihar political turmoil: Political maneuvers unfold amid Nitish Kumar's possible shift

Nitish Kumar and Tejashwi Yadav at Republic Day celebrations in Patna on January 26 (Image: PTI)

Amidst heightened speculation surrounding Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's potential departure from the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD)-led grand alliance, political developments in the state have taken a dramatic turn. The Bihar BJP State Executive Committee has called for a meeting on January 27 in Patna, raising expectations of an announcement.

Further adding to the intrigue, MLAs and MPs from the Janata Dal (United) have been reportedly summoned for a meeting on January 28 at the residence of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. The move fuels speculation about the JD(U) leader's possible alignment with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA). Reports indicate that the swearing-in ceremony for a new government, supported by the BJP, is in the works, with the event anticipated on January 28. Senior BJP leader Sushil Kumar Modi is reportedly slated to be sworn in as the Deputy Chief Minister.

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In response to these developments, the Congress is said to be strategizing its moves, calling all Congress MLAs for a meeting in Purnia on January 27.

Take a look at the series of political developments in Bihar today:

RJD affirms support to Nitish Kumar government in Bihar

Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) decided not to withdraw support from the Nitish Kumar-led government in Bihar during a unanimous decision made at a meeting held at Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav's official residence in Patna on January 27. The party authorised Lalu Yadav to take the final decision.

BJP plans for Lok Sabha Polls in Bihar

BJP's core committee in Patna discussed strategies for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. Vinod Tawde, BJP National General Secretary, announced the initiation of work for the polls. Bihar BJP chief Samrat Choudhary mentioned they are closely monitoring the situation in the state.

Congress attempts contact with Nitish Kumar

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge's efforts to communicate with Bihar CM Nitish Kumar proved unsuccessful, revealed party senior leader Jairam Ramesh.

JD(U) signals alliance collapse

JD(U)'s political adviser K C Tyagi suggested that the grand alliance government in Bihar is on the brink of collapse. He accused a section of the Congress leadership of consistently "insulting" Chief Minister Nitish Kumar.

Tensions rise in Bihar alliance: Nitish attends R-Day ceremony, Tejashwi absent

The rift between JD(U) and RJD became apparent as Nitish Kumar attended the Republic Day high tea ceremony at Raj Bhavan in Patna, while his deputy Tejashwi Yadav skipped the function. Kumar, when questioned by reporters, tersely commented that it was up to Yadav to explain why he skipped the event.

Sushil Kumar Modi on Nitish Kumar: Doors open and close as per necessity

Sushil Kumar Modi, earlier responding to reporters' queries about the BJP's previous stance of permanently closing doors for Kumar after he severed ties with the party in August 2022, remarked, "they (doors) open and close as per the necessity".