Behind The Scenes: A ‘George Fernandes’ In JD(U) Strengthening Nitish Kumar’s Political Return – News18
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With alliances shifting and the stakes greater than ever, Nitish Kumar’s journey displays the unpredictability of Bihar’s politics—the place loyalties are examined, however survival stays the final word aim
Nitish quickly realised that the INDIA bloc was unlikely to succeed because of an absence of consensus on a standard chief to problem Modi. (File picture: PTI)
Although the Nationwide Democratic Alliance has been a comparatively sturdy coalition on the Centre, the identical can’t be stated for Bihar. Not too long ago, Nitish Kumar’s frequent U-turns have contributed to this instability, however the saga started with the Mausam Vaigyanik (climate skilled) of Indian politics, Ram Vilas Paswan. Different leaders like Upendra Kushwaha, Mukesh Sahni, and Jitan Ram Manjhi additionally persistently modified sides throughout Nitish Kumar’s journey.
Having stated that, if the political alliances are clearly outlined earlier than the elections and the general public is aware of who’s with whom, it turns into simpler for voters to select the facet they like. However think about the scenario when a friend-turned-foe decides to problem one of many alliance companions whereas praising the opposite. That is precisely what Narendra Modi’s “Hanuman”, Chirag Paswan, did within the 2020 elections.
Chirag Paswan’s position within the 2020 polls
Using on the sympathy wave after the demise of his father, Ram Vilas Paswan, the younger firebrand Chirag focused Nitish Kumar and brazenly declared Modi because the revered chief of the nation. When the outcomes had been introduced, Chirag was left with just one seat, however he succeeded in jolting Nitish, whose tally crashed to 43—the bottom since he fashioned an alliance with the BJP in 2005. Chirag celebrated the result, as his candidates ensured the defeat of Janata Dal (United) in over 20 meeting segments.
Chirag Paswan’s marketing campaign efficiently sowed discontent amongst BJP supporters towards Nitish Kumar. The election adopted Nitish’s second U-turn in 2017 when he broke ties with the Rashtriya Janata Dal and returned to BJP’s fold. BJP’s core voters had been sad with Nitish, and so they didn’t come out in full assist wherever JD(U) contested. As a substitute, they discovered another within the LJP, whose chief was brazenly praising their chief. Nitish carried a grudge, which set the stage for his third U-turn in August 2022 when he parted methods with the BJP and fashioned a authorities with Tejashwi Yadav.
Nitish Kumar’s altering political allegiances
Often called a grasp of political manoeuvring, Nitish Kumar briefly tried to unite the opposition in opposition to Narendra Modi and performed a key position in forming the INDIA bloc. Nonetheless, Tejashwi Yadav constantly pushed him for a job in Delhi, echoing the actions of his father, Lalu Prasad Yadav, when Nitish first snapped ties with the BJP in 2013, opposing Modi because the prime ministerial candidate. Alternatively, Nitish stored Tejashwi proud of random statements like, “The time has come for kids to take over.”
However Nitish quickly realised that the INDIA bloc was unlikely to succeed because of an absence of consensus on a standard chief to problem Modi. After one such assembly in Delhi, Nitish modified his stance and determined to take one other U-turn to reunite with the BJP. A frontrunner who had vowed, “Mar jaana qabool hai lekin unke (BJP) saath ab nahi jayenge” (Demise is suitable, however I can’t go along with BJP), was now seen taking one other pledge: “Galti ho gayi, ab kabhi kahin nahi jayenge” (I made a mistake, and now I’ll by no means change sides). Now, he by no means forgets to repeat this from each podium.
Ninth time period and the voter’s dilemma
Nitish Kumar took oath as chief minister for the ninth time final 12 months. Nonetheless, the method didn’t require an election, which once more didn’t sit properly with BJP voters in Bihar. The scenario mirrors that of the 2020 elections however with one important distinction—Chirag is firmly behind Nitish. Manjhi and Kushwaha are additionally within the fold. However what concerning the voters?
Whereas NDA leaders are united, the identical can’t be stated for his or her voters. Nitish is aware of that he barely gained the final election when his recognition as “Sushasan Babu” (good governance man) and trusted associate of the BJP was waning. As he faces what could also be his final electoral battle later this 12 months, Nitish is conscious of the daunting process of sustaining his relevance.
JD(U)’s technique for the upcoming elections
JD(U) nationwide president and Rajya Sabha member Sanjay Jha, together with different senior leaders, has been strategically engaged on a collection of actions main as much as the meeting elections to bolster Nitish Kumar’s picture. One factor is definite—Nitish would be the CM face of the NDA. The BJP has brazenly endorsed him after the sudden Lok Sabha outcomes reaffirmed Nitish’s significance in Bihar. Nonetheless, Maharashtra now serves as a reference level for comparable discussions. BJP leaders nonetheless really feel that if their occasion wins extra seats, the CM face might change.
The JD(U) management is properly conscious of this chance. But it surely refrains from making this public. As a substitute, senior JD(U) leaders chalked out a plan to overtake the picture of their chief and guarantee BJP cadres don’t betray him on the hustings. Planning for this began on October 28 final 12 months when Nitish known as state and district presidents and different leaders of all NDA companions to his residence. Sanjay Jha outlined the plan, which was endorsed by Samrat Chaudhary.
Constructing unity amongst employees
The planning quickly took on a brand new dimension. Sanjay Jha, taking part in the position of George Fernandes by reaching out to BJP leaders and smaller allies, efficiently satisfied everybody that if the NDA wished to win 225 out of 243 seats, the employees on the grassroots degree should really feel united. “We are able to’t afford any misgivings on the bottom. Whether or not JD(U) or BJP, the employees want to speak and act collectively,” Jha said.
Based mostly on this, a mega plan was devised in December, which included joint employees’ conferences in all 37 districts, the place state presidents of all 5 NDA companions can be current. The primary part of this marketing campaign began on January 15 in West Champaran, protecting 10 districts. Presently, the fourth part of this convention is underway, protecting Khagaria and Begusarai. In accordance with Jha, the final part is predicted to be accomplished earlier than the price range session of the Bihar meeting, which begins on February 28.
Nitish’s Pragati Yatra
Alongside this, Nitish Kumar launched into a state-wide yatra known as the Pragati Yatra, which is now in full swing. Sanjay Jha stated, “Nitish Kumar’s picture is that of a frontrunner who pulled the state out of the darkish age of the Lalu period. Nitish ji isn’t just narrating what he has achieved for the individuals but additionally taking inventory of present growth works and outlining what must be achieved in a given district.” The event initiatives, equivalent to foot overbridges, roads, and nallahs, are getting prompt approvals, and the yatra has change into a platform to showcase Nitish’s achievements.
With alliances shifting and the stakes greater than ever, Nitish Kumar’s journey displays the unpredictability of Bihar’s politics—the place loyalties are examined, however survival stays the final word aim.
