Patna: The INDIA Alliance is experiencing signs of trouble as the relationship between Janata Dal (United) and Rashtriya Janata Dal reportedly sours. The discord intensified after Lalan Singh resigned as JD(U) president, and Chief Nitish Kumar assumed leadership. During a virtual meeting of the I.N.D.I.A bloc on January 13, held at Gandhi Maidan in Patna, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's remarks have fueled speculations about a growing rift.
Addressing over 26,000 teachers who received appointment letters from the Bihar Public Service Commission, Nitish Kumar took the opportunity to target the previous Lalu-Rabri governments. He highlighted that over 12.5% of children were not enrolled in school when he assumed office in 2005. Kumar credited his government for recruiting significant numbers of Tola Sewaks and Talimi Markaz (Shiksha Sewaks or teachers), emphasizing this accomplishment based on a state government student enrollment survey.
Shiksha Sewaks play a crucial role in educating Dalits, Mahadalits, and members of the minority community about the state government's policies. Nitish Kumar's statement underscored the perceived shortcomings of the former RJD administration led by the Yadav family. Notably, Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav was present on the stage during Kumar's remarks.
The rift between JD(U) and RJD extends to seat sharing for the upcoming Lok Sabha election. JD(U) is adamant about contesting on seventeen seats, leaving RJD with only four seats. Congress and left parties' seat demands further complicate the alliance's dynamics, creating a challenge for RJD to balance competing interests.
Despite suggestions from Congress to appoint Nitish Kumar as the INDIA alliance's convenor, he declined, citing a lack of consensus. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge assumed the role. Recent events, including Kumar's absence from former Chief Minister Rabri Devi's birthday celebration, have fueled speculations about a fracture in the coalition.
Lalu Prasad Yadav is set to host a Dahi-chura bhoj at his residence on January 14 and 15, marking Makar Sankranti. Opposition leaders are expected to attend, but uncertainty looms over Nitish Kumar's participation. The absence of public pleasantries exchanged between the two sides on New Year further adds to the uncertainty. These signals hint at potential upheavals in Bihar's political landscape.
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