Bihar Politics: Nitish Kumar's Potential Shift To NDA again, Administrative Reshuffle, Bharat Jodo Nyay Congress Prepares for Yatra| Live Updates

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has stirred political uncertainty in the state amid speculations about his potential move to join the BJP-led NDA alliance. This marks his fourth such move in the past decade and the second during his current term. Reports suggest that Nitish Kumar's Janata Dal (United) might exit the ruling coalition with ally Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) to join the BJP-led NDA, paving the way for him to become Bihar's chief minister once again.

Also Read| Explained: How Numbers Stand In Bihar Assembly Amid Buzz Of Nitish Kumar's Switch To BJP, Can RJD Secure Numbers To Retain Power?

The growing tension within the Bihar government led to separate meetings held by both JDU and RJD on Thursday night. Former Bihar deputy CM Sushil Modi, commenting on the situation, mentioned that the BJP's doors are never closed for Nitish Kumar. The speculations gained momentum as the rift between the two allies deepened.

Nitish Kumar has recently voiced his dissatisfaction with the INDIA bloc, citing a lack of a prominent position in the alliance's top leadership, despite his extensive political experience. This discontent has fueled rumors of a potential shift in alliances.

Adding to the intrigue, RJD supremo Lalu Yadav's daughter, Rohini Acharya, remarked about Kumar, stating that he seems to be "changing his ideology as the wind changes its direction" in a recent social media post. As political discussions intensify, BJP state president Samrat Choudhary has left for Delhi to confer with the party's top leadership on the unfolding developments in Bihar.

Bihar Politics | Live Updates

-Gopal Mandal: JDU Stands Firmly with Nitish Kumar: JDU MLA Gopal Mandal speaks on the current political scenario in Bihar, stating, "We will follow our national president, Nitish Kumar, wherever he goes. JDU MLAs are united, and attempts to break them will not succeed. People may resort to anything to protect their interests. Nitish Kumar was not treated with respect; he faced criticism and disrespect."

-Bihar Government Implements Extensive Administrative Reshuffle: The Bihar government has announced the transfer of 22 IAS, 79 IPS, and 45 Bihar Administrative Service (BAS) officers, including five district magistrates and 17 superintendents of police. The move, described as a routine exercise by a senior General Administration Department official, witnessed notable changes in key positions. Patna DM Chandrasekhar Singh, involved in recent disputes over school closures in Patna, has been appointed as special secretary in the chief minister's secretariat. Shirsat Kapil Ashok, the current IG (prisons), has taken over as the new Patna DM.

In the IPS cadre, officers, including Sushil Mansingh Khopde and Amrit Raj, were reassigned to new roles, while SPs were shuffled across districts, reflecting a comprehensive restructuring within the police department.This latest administrative realignment follows a similar overhaul on January 23, where 29 senior IAS officers were reassigned.

-Bihar Congress Prepares for Rahul Gandhi's 'Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra': Bihar Congress leader Shakeel Ahmed Khan has called a meeting of party MLAs and former legislators in Purnea at 2 pm on Saturday. Denying any connection to the recent political developments in the state, Khan clarified that the meeting aims to discuss preparations related to Rahul Gandhi's 'Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra,' scheduled to enter Bihar on January 29. The first public meeting is set for Kishanganj on the same day, followed by rallies in Purnea on January 30 and Katihar on January 31.

-Parties in Bihar Gear Up for Upcoming Elections: Amidst the political turmoil in Bihar's ruling Mahagathbandhan, the opposition BJP has scheduled a meeting for its MPs and MLAs on Saturday to discuss the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. BJP state unit chief Samrat Choudhary mentioned that the meeting will focus on the party's strategy for the impending general elections, whose dates are yet to be announced.

Responding to speculations about a possible alliance with Nitish Kumar's JD(U), Choudhary stated, "No such thing has been discussed at our level." However, BJP leaders dropped hints on Friday about Kumar's reported discussions with the party's senior members.

Senior BJP leader Sushil Kumar Modi, while speaking to reporters, emphasised the dynamic nature of politics, saying, "No door is closed in politics. The door can be opened if needed."

-Giriraj Singh: BJP Doors Closed for Nitish Kumar: Union Minister Giriraj Singh emphasized that his party's stance remains firm regarding Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar potentially rejoining the BJP-led NDA alliance. Speaking to reporters, the senior BJP leader stated that their doors are consistently 'closed' for Nitish Kumar.

However, he clarified that decisions regarding the induction of the Janata Dal (United) into the NDA alliance would be determined by the party's high command. Singh highlighted, "Our doors are always closed (Humare darwaje to sada band band hain), but the party is foremost, and I am only a worker of the party."

-Nitish Kumar's Potential Shift Back to NDA Creates Uncertainty: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is causing a stir by hinting at a possible return to the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). In 2022, Kumar departed from the NDA to join forces with the Opposition, forming the 'Mahagathbandhan.'Speculations about his potential shift back to the NDA have been fueled by remarks from several NDA leaders, including former Bihar CM Jitan Ram Manjhi. There are indications of a breakdown in the alliance between JD(U) and RJD.

Jitan Ram Manjhi, the chief of Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM), has expressed skepticism about the longevity of the ruling Mahagathbandhan government, suggesting that it may not last for long.

-Nitish Kumar's Potential Exit Raises Political Tensions: The political landscape in Bihar is on the verge of a major shakeup as Chief Minister Nitish Kumar inches closer to leaving the state's ruling coalition. The Janata Dal (United), in alliance with the Rashtriya Janata Dal, and the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party have all mobilized their lawmakers, holding crucial meetings over the weekend. Speculation is rife about Nitish Kumar considering a move to join the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), adding intensity to the unfolding political scenario.