Chief Minister of Bihar, Nitish Kumar, is rumored to be leaving the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and the INDIA bloc to join hands with the BJP. Reports suggest that he will take oath as Chief Minister again on Sunday, with BJP leader Sushil Kumar Modi as deputy. This move would be Kumar’s fifth political switch, earning him the nickname ‘Paltu Ram’ in politics. The JD(U) has sought time from the Raj Bhawan, and there are multiple reports of the swearing-in on Sunday. Rumors of the switch have received a boost after Nitish Kumar cancelled all his engagements for the day and the Bihar governor cancelled plans to travel to Goa. Reports suggest that two BJP leaders will also take oath as deputy chief ministers. Nitish Kumar has been reportedly unhappy with the lack of coordination within the INDIA bloc, blaming the Congress for not discussing seat-sharing and not giving him his due credit. He is also upset with the RJD for impacting governance and making decisions without consulting him. A tweet by Lalu’s daughter seemed to be the final straw, and if Kumar switches sides on Sunday, it will be his fifth change of camp. This move does not bode well for the INDIA alliance, and while the RJD and Congress seem confident that Kumar will remain with the alliance, it would be damaging for them. The BJP would benefit from the switch, particularly as other parties in the INDIA alliance are announcing their plans to go solo in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.
Will Nitish Kumar become the CM with BJP backing? The impact on Bihar politics
