Bihar Politics in Turmoil: Nitish Kumar Resigns, Severs Ties with RJD and Congress

In a dramatic political twist, Nitish Kumar, the Chief Minister of Bihar, resigned from his post on Sunday, January 28, 2024, sending shockwaves through Indian politics. This move marks a significant turning point in Bihar's political landscape and signals a potential realignment of alliances.

End of the "Mahagathbandhan":

Kumar's resignation comes after months of speculation about the stability of the "Mahagathbandhan" (Grand Alliance) government, which he formed in August 2022 with the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and the Congress. The alliance faced internal squabbles and accusations of corruption, particularly against the RJD, further strained by Kumar's own Janata Dal (United)'s (JD(U)) dwindling political fortunes.

Reasons for the Shift:

While definitive reasons remain unconfirmed, several factors seem to have contributed to Kumar's decision:

• Growing tensions with RJD: RJD's perceived lack of control over its MLAs and accusations of corruption allegedly created friction within the alliance. Kumar, known for his clean image and focus on governance, could no longer reconcile these discrepancies.
• JD(U)'s shrinking political space: The alliance with RJD seemed to negatively impact JD(U)'s electoral prospects, with the party losing ground in recent by-elections. Kumar might be aiming to distance himself from RJD to revive JD(U)'s fortunes.
• Potential rapprochement with BJP: BJP, once Kumar's closest ally, reportedly offered him support to form a new government. This aligns with Kumar's past pragmatism in forming alliances for political stability.

Possible Future Scenarios:

With Kumar's resignation, Bihar's political future remains uncertain. Here are some potential scenarios:

• JD(U)-BJP government: Kumar might lead a JD(U)-BJP coalition government, returning to his old alliance. This could bring political stability but raise concerns about potential compromises on JD(U)'s principles.
• Mid-term elections: Governor Phagu Chauhan can dissolve the assembly and call for mid-term elections, a risky option considering the volatile political climate and potential public dissatisfaction.
• Horse-trading and uncertainty: A prolonged period of political maneuvering and negotiations between different parties is also possible, leading to an unstable and unpredictable situation.

Implications for National Politics:

Kumar's resignation and the potential rise of a JD(U)-BJP government in Bihar could have national implications:

• Impact on 2024 elections: Kumar's move could be seen as a strategic shift towards BJP ahead of the crucial 2024 Lok Sabha elections, potentially strengthening the ruling party's position.
• Realignment of political alliances: This could trigger a domino effect, leading to realignment of alliances in other states as well, making national politics even more fluid and unpredictable.

Nitish Kumar's resignation has set off a political storm in Bihar and potentially across India. The coming days and weeks will be crucial in determining the future of Bihar's government and the impact it might have on national politics. Whether Kumar's decision results in political stability, resurgence of his party, or further uncertainty remains to be seen. This event undoubtedly marks a significant chapter in the unfolding drama of Indian politics.