“Switcheroo”: Nitish Kumar Resigns as Bihar CM, Major Setback for INDIA Bloc

GG News Bureau
Patna, 28th Jan. Nitish Kumar has resigned as Bihar Chief Minister, marking his fifth change in political alliances in the past decade. After days of speculation, Kumar met with Bihar Governor Rajendra Arlekar this morning to hand over his resignation. The Governor has asked Kumar to continue as caretaker Chief Minister until a new government is formed.

Kumar explained his decision to resign, stating, “I have resigned as Chief Minister and ended this government. I was receiving suggestions from various sources. I had left a previous alliance for a new one, but the situation was not satisfactory. So, I have resigned.” When asked about the next steps, he mentioned that parties will meet and make a decision.

Kumar attributed his decision to the advice of his party members, stating, “I was facing difficulties in working with this alliance. When I explained this to party members, they advised me to resign.”

He also mentioned the INDIA alliance and expressed dissatisfaction with its progress, saying, “I formed an alliance, but nobody was taking any action.” Kumar was one of the Opposition leaders involved in forming the INDIA bloc. His resignation is a significant setback for the Opposition bloc just months before facing the formidable BJP in the Lok Sabha polls.

In his first remarks after resigning, Kumar also made a veiled criticism of his estranged ally, Lalu Yadav’s Rashtriya Janata Dal, by mentioning a credit contest. He said, “People were claiming that they are doing all the work.”

This resignation marks a turning point in Kumar’s political career. He was once seen as a model of good governance, but his frequent switches between political parties have damaged his popularity and the electoral strength of his party, JD(U).

Contrary to their previous statement that their doors were closed to Kumar, the BJP is reportedly set to form an alliance with JD(U) again. Sources suggest that BJP legislators have already expressed their support for Kumar by signing and submitting letters. BJP MLAs and state leaders held a meeting this morning, just before Kumar arrived at the Raj Bhavan.

Following Kumar’s resignation, Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge commented that he had anticipated this outcome. In a sarcastic remark, he added that there are many people in the country who are like “Aaya Ram-Gaya Ram” (referring to politicians who frequently switch parties).

Kharge further explained, “If he wanted to stay, he would have stayed, but he wants to go. We already knew this, but to maintain the integrity of the INDIA Alliance, we couldn’t say anything negative. Lalu Prasad Yadav and Tejashwi Yadav had already informed us about this. Today, it has become true. There are many people in the country like ‘Aaya Ram-Gaya Ram’.”