The Credibility and Future of Nitish Kumar in NDA

One of the pivotal questions in the upcoming Indian general elections is whether the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will ditch Nitish Kumar, the Chief Minister of Bihar, from the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) alliance. This occurs in the context of complex political dynamics and strategic considerations that both parties need to navigate.

Ensuring Nitish Kumar's Credibility

Nitish Kumar's position as the Chief Minister of Bihar is a critical decision that reflects the BJP's strategic positioning. In the final phase of elections, Prime Minister Narendra Modi went an extra mile to confirm that Nitish Kumar would be their preferred candidate for the position if the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) wins. This indicates a strong intent from the BJP to ensure that Nitish Kumar remains in his post.

Nonetheless, the BJP may attempt to usurp power from Nitish Kumar using its majority over the Janata Dal United (JD-U). However, Nitish Kumar has a trump card: he can ally with the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) to form a new alliance. While this could be a blackmail tool for the BJP, as Nitish would face less respect in the new alliance with a brutal RJD majority, it is more prudent for him to remain in the NDA.

Importance of JD-U Support

The BJP cannot afford to ditch Nitish Kumar, given the necessity for his support in the Rajya Sabha. This mutual dependency strengthens the alliance and ensures that Nitish Kumar will continue to be the Chief Minister of Bihar. Nevertheless, he will have to share more power and a larger portfolio with the BJP to maintain the balance within the NDA alliance.

Both Chanakyas: Sushil Modi and Nitish Kumar

When it comes to Bihar, the political landscape is dominated by two exceptional leaders: Sushil Modi and Nitish Kumar. They are often referred to as the Chanakyas of their respective parties. If Nitish Kumar wins the election, he will be allowed to continue as the leader of the alliance. However, if he loses, the BJP may seek support from other parties, such as the Lok Janshakti Party (LJP).

Both Sushil Modi and Nitish Kumar's strong political influence cannot be underestimated. It is a secret plan of BJP to get rid of Mr Nitish Kumar as soon as possible, but this would be foolishness. He is the only politician currently with the charisma to compete with Prime Minister Modi. Although Nitish Kumar may not win with robust numbers outside the NDA, any harm he causes to BJP numbers cannot be ignored.

Strategic Maneuverings with LJP

The BJP is currently playing a double game with the help of the Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) led by Chirag Paswan. This dispute between the BJP and LJP is a complex political drama. Chirag Paswan will contest 147 assembly seats alone and has declared that he will not provide support to any candidate against the BJP. This would likely lead to all 147 candidates supporting the BJP, which could be advantageous for the party.

However, there is a growing tension between Chirag Paswan and Nitish Kumar. If BJP wins sufficient seats and Chirag Paswan secures a significant vote share, it could lead to further complications for the NDA alliance.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it is unlikely that the BJP will ditch Nitish Kumar. The need for JD-U support in the Rajya Sabha and Nitish Kumar's significant role in the NDA allies make it imperative for the BJP to maintain the status quo. The strategic alliance and mutual dependencies between the BJP and Nitish Kumar ensure that he will continue to be the Chief Minister of Bihar, albeit with an increased share of power and responsibilities.