The Aryavarth Express
Agency (New Delhi): Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, leader of the JD(U) and one of the BJP’s oldest allies, finds himself in the crucial position of kingmaker as the BJP falls short of a majority in the Lok Sabha elections. With the BJP-led NDA not reaching the majority mark, Kumar’s influence becomes more significant.
Kumar played a vital role in forming the opposition INDIA bloc, hosting the first meeting of opposition leaders nationwide. His longstanding relationship with the BJP began in the mid-1990s when he and the late George Fernandes formed the Samata Party, rebelling against then Bihar Chief Minister Lalu Prasad. Despite the socialists’ suspicion of the BJP’s Hindutva roots, the alliance with the BJP proved moderately successful in the 1996 Lok Sabha elections.
The alliance with the BJP, which ruled from 1998 to 2004, provided Kumar with significant exposure as he held key portfolios like agriculture, railways, and surface transport in Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s cabinet. However, it was in 2005 that Kumar’s moment of glory arrived when the JD(U)-BJP combine won the Bihar assembly polls, and he became the chief minister, succeeding Lalu Prasad and his wife, Rabri Devi.
The 2002 Gujarat riots made Kumar apprehensive of Narendra Modi’s rise within the BJP, leading him to end the 17-year partnership in 201Since then, Kumar has formed and broken alliances with Prasad’s RJD twice, returning to the NDA both times. These political maneuvers have helped Kumar stay in power but have also diminished his popularity, according to political analysts.
Despite the BJP’s growing strength in Bihar, it has welcomed Kumar back as an ally, wary of a potential OBC consolidation against it if the JD(U) and RJD joined forces. The JD(U)’s performance in Bihar has been comparable to the BJP’s, with both parties leading in 12 seats each.
The BJP-led NDA is poised to retain its position in Bihar, with allies performing better than expected. Kumar’s JD(U) contested one less seat than the BJP but still matched its lead, highlighting his strategic importance.
With the BJP performing below expectations, Kumar’s role as kingmaker is crucial. His past alliances and current influence make him a significant figure as the political landscape shifts in the wake of the Lok Sabha election results.