Lalu Prasad Yadav Opens Doors for Nitish Kumar to Rejoin Opposition INDIA Bloc
Patna, 3rd January 2025: Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Lalu Prasad Yadav on Wednesday expressed his willingness to forgive Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and welcome him back to the opposition INDIA bloc. Lalu remarked, “Our doors are open for Nitish. He should also open his doors, enabling people to move freely between both sides.”
When questioned about Lalu’s comments, CM Nitish Kumar offered no clear response, saying only, “What are you saying?” Meanwhile, former JD(U) president Rajiv Ranjan Singh “Lalan” dismissed the statement, asserting the strength of the NDA. He remarked, “JD(U) and BJP are united. It’s a free society, and anyone can say what they wish. Lalu ji can elaborate on his statements further.”
Nitish Kumar, who played a key role in forming the INDIA bloc before realigning with the BJP-led NDA, switched alliances ahead of the Lok Sabha elections. While the move allowed him to retain his position as chief minister, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav was forced to step down as his deputy. Shortly after Tejashwi’s resignation, Nitish was sworn in as chief minister for the ninth time.
Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis mocked Lalu Yadav’s remarks, stating, “His dreams will remain unfulfilled—mere fantasies.”
The NDA appeared strong initially, but the opposition gained momentum following the Lok Sabha poll results. The BJP fell short of a majority, winning 240 seats—32 below the halfway mark. In contrast, JD(U) secured 12 seats, making it a vital NDA ally alongside Andhra Pradesh CM Chandrababu Naidu’s TDP, which added 16 seats to the coalition’s tally. Together, these partnerships helped the NDA surpass the majority threshold of 272 seats.
If political dynamics in Bihar shift, the INDIA bloc, currently holding 235 seats, could gain an advantage with JD(U)’s 12 seats, a possibility that the opposition has eyed since the June 4 results.
Tejashwi Yadav, Lalu’s son and leader of the opposition, took a more confrontational tone, predicting the downfall of the Nitish-led NDA government in Bihar. Speaking to reporters, he stated, “The new year will bring a new government—one focused on education, employment, healthcare, and justice.”
Tejashwi criticized Nitish Kumar’s extended tenure, likening it to overused farmland. “After 20 years in power, the soil has been overworked. It’s time for Nitish ji and the NDA to step down,” he added.
