The JD(U) has shifted its strategy for the 2024 Lok Sabha polls following Mamata Banerjee’s proposal to name Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge as the alliance’s Prime Ministerial candidate. This move comes after the JD(U) was looking to project party supremo and Bihar CM Nitish Kumar as the PM face for the alliance. Now, the JD(U) is likely to pitch for collective leadership to prevent similar attempts by other constituents in the lead-up to the 2024 elections. Although Mamata’s proposal was supported by Arvind Kejriwal, Nitish appeared upset at the meeting.
Kharge downplayed the proposal, suggesting the alliance should focus on getting adequate MPs elected before choosing a PM candidate. Fissures between the JD(U) and RJD have surfaced, with Deputy CM and RJD leader Tejashwi Prasad Yadav not sharing the stage with Nitish at recent events. The JD(U) has asked its leaders not to project Nitish as the PM face or put up posters suggesting such.
The main line of attack in the JD(U)’s poll campaign against the BJP will focus on criticising the Narendra Modi government’s policies and highlighting stalled funds due to Bihar from the Centre. The party also plans to showcase the Nitish government’s development work and accomplishments. The JD(U) has scheduled meetings in Delhi on 29 December to discuss seat-sharing, campaigns, and rallies, as well as reassess its focus on caste surveys and issues related to SCs and EBCs.
The party will also review Nitish’s upcoming visits to several states across the country to address rallies or gatherings, including in Haryana, Maharashtra, and Jharkhand. A senior JD(U) leader believes that collective leadership is the way forward, in response to Mamata’s attempt to project Kharge as a possible PM face.
RJD spokesperson Mrityunjay Tiwari stated that Nitish Kumar is their alliance leader and the party supports his plans and policies. He explained Deputy CM Tejashwi’s absence at recent functions as possibly due to personal engagements. Both Tejashwi and Lalu Prasad have been summoned by the ED in the alleged land-for-job scam case.
Overall, the JD(U) is reevaluating its strategy in light of Mamata Banerjee’s proposal and is focusing on collective leadership for the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. The party will also concentrate on criticising the Modi government and highlighting state-specific issues in its campaign. The relationship between the JD(U) and RJD is showing signs of strain, and internal discussions and reviews are planned to ensure a stronger position in the upcoming elections.