Nitish Kumar to return to NDA? A look at the JD(U) leader's rollercoaster ride with BJP

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

In a surprising turn of events, Bihar Chief Minister and Janata Dal (United) chief, Nitish Kumar, is reportedly on the brink of parting ways with the ruling Bihar Mahagathbandhan (Grand Alliance), comprising Lalu Prasad Yadav's Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and the Congress. Reports indicate that Nitish Kumar is contemplating his resignation, with intentions to rejoin the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) on January 28.

Seat-sharing discontent

Reports say Nitish Kumar's dissatisfaction within the Bihar Mahagathbandhan is concerning seat-sharing talks. Furthermore, the absence of a clear projection of Nitish Kumar as the leader of the opposition alliance has added fuel to the discontent. Reports suggest that Nitish Kumar felt sidelined during a recent meeting of the INDIA bloc, where he was not considered for the position of coordinator.

Awaiting official confirmation

MLAs and MPs from Janata Dal (United), or JD(U), have been reportedly summoned for a meeting on January 28 at the residence of Bihar CM Nitish Kumar in Patna.

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, 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".

As anticipation builds ahead of January 28, political observers are keenly watching for official statement from Nitish Kumar.

Nitish Kumar's political maneuvers

Nitish Kumar has earned a reputation over the years for his adaptable political affiliations in Bihar. He has formed affiliations with the BJP, which leads the NDA, but has also chosen to distance himself from the saffron party on various occasions.

Here's an overview of Nitish Kumar's alliances with BJP and exits from NDA:

2005-2013: Formation of Government with BJP

Nitish Kumar formed his first government in 2005 in alliance with the BJP as part of the NDA.

The alliance continued through subsequent elections, with Nitish Kumar serving as the Chief Minister of Bihar.

2013: Exit from NDA

In 2013, Nitish Kumar terminated the alliance with the BJP due to ideological differences over the BJP's prime ministerial candidate for the 2014 elections, Narendra Modi.

After his party's dismal show in the 2014 polls, Nitish took moral responsibility of the loss and resigned as the chief minister. Jitan Ram Manjhi, then a member of the JD(U), succeeded him. However, ahead of the next Assembly polls in 2015 Nitish returned as the CM.

2015: Formation of Mahagathbandhan (Grand Alliance)

Following the split with the BJP, Nitish formed the Mahagathbandhan with the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and the Congress.

The Grand Alliance secured a significant victory in the 2015 Bihar Assembly elections, allowing Nitish to retain the chief ministerial post.

2017: Return to NDA

In a surprising turn of events in July 2017, Nitish resigned as Chief Minister, breaking ties with the RJD.

Shortly afterward, he formed a new government with the support of the BJP, marking his return to the NDA.

2019: Continued alliance in Lok Sabha elections

The alliance between the JD(U) and and BJP persisted during the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, where they contested together in Bihar.

2020: NDA victory in Bihar Assembly elections

The NDA, comprising the JD(U), BJP, and other allies, contested and secured a majority in the Bihar Assembly elections in 2020.

Nitish continued as the Chief Minister of Bihar.

2022: Exit from NDA again

In August 2022, Nitish quit the NDA, citing accusations that the BJP attempted to engineer a split within the JDU.

He joined hands with the RJD, Congress, and Left to form a new government in Bihar.