“Dahi Chuda” Emerges as the Platform in Bihar for Political Jibes; NDA Partners Question Stability of INDI Alliance
Patna, 17th January 2024: The “dahi-chuda” political play has kicked off in Bihar. On Makar Sankranti, Nitish Kumar visited Lalu Rabri’s residence and partook in dahi and chuda. Subsequently, the NDA constituent parties also organized a “Dahi-Chuda” event, featuring the presence of Nitish Kumar’s former associates.
In Patna, LJP (R) chief Chirag Paswan hosted a “dahi-chuda” feast, attended by former Chief Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi, RLJD President Upendra Kushwaha, Jan Adhikar Party (JAP) supremo Pappu Yadav, and BJP state president Samrat Chaudhary. Upendra Kushwaha, present at the “Dahi-Chuda” event, took aim at the India alliance and commented on the ‘Dahi ke Tilak’.
Reacting to reports of a rift within the India alliance, Upendra Kushwaha stated, “Nitish ji is saying there is a delay (in seat sharing), and Lalu ji is saying it will take more time, which clearly shows what is happening between these people. On Lalu Yadav’s statements that everything is fine in the alliance, Kushwaha remarked, ‘If it is happening from within, why is the talk coming from outside?’ RLJD President further asserted that Nitish ji’s associates are consistently claiming there is a delay, implying internal discord visible externally.
Unlike previous occasions, Lalu Yadav did not apply curd tilak to Nitish Kumar, prompting Kushwaha’s response: “Nitish ji should forget about applying tilak. For how long will Nitish ji continue wearing tilak? There are many people in Bihar who deserve it. It’s not appropriate to have such expectations now.”
Former Chief Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi and JAP supremo Pappu Yadav were also present at the “Dahi-Chuda” banquet. Manjhi raised concerns about the India alliance, pointing out disputes and lack of consensus among leaders. He even predicted the alliance’s breakup within two to four days. Pappu Yadav, when asked about the India alliance, evaded the question, stating that Chirag called him, and he attended due to his longstanding relationship with the Paswan family.
