Following the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the BJP encountered a hurdle as it fell short of securing the majority on its own. With key allies like Chandrababu Naidu’s TDP and Nitish Kumar’s JDU, the NDA played a crucial role in forming the new government.
There was speculation about Nitish Kumar possibly rejoining the INDIA bloc. However, in a surprising twist, all NDA MPs, including Kumar and Naidu, supported PM Modi for a third term. JD(U) leader KC Tyagi revealed that Nitish was offered the prime ministerial position by the Opposition INDIA bloc to lure him into their fold, but he turned down the offer.
Nitish Kumar Declines Offer to Lead INDIA Bloc
The Bihar Chief Minister, Nitish Kumar, was recently approached by a group called the INDIA bloc, which is part of the Opposition. They asked him if he wanted to be the Prime Minister. But Nitish Kumar said no, even though this group had previously not supported him to lead them.
One of Nitish’s party leaders, KC Tyagi, talked about this in an interview. He made it clear that their party is staying with their current alliance, NDA, and not joining the INDIA bloc.
However, a leader from the Congress party, KC Venugopal, said they didn’t know anything about the INDIA bloc asking Nitish Kumar to be Prime Minister. He mentioned that only Nitish can confirm if this really happened.
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INDIA Bloc’s Surprising Performance in 2024 Elections
Amid speculation of a political shuffle, the INDIA bloc seemed to be forming ties with JD(U) and the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), both allies of the BJP-led NDA. This alliance aimed to gather enough support to potentially form the Central government.
Despite earlier predictions, the INDIA bloc performed impressively in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, securing 234 out of 543 seats. However, the NDA, comprising primarily of the BJP, clinched 293 seats, with BJP alone winning 240, falling short of the majority mark by 32 seats.
Nitish Kumar’s Political Journey
When asked who offered Nitish Kumar the position of prime minister, Tyagi declined to name anyone. He mentioned that some leaders intended to approach Nitish directly for the offer, but they left the INDIA bloc due to how he and their party leaders were treated. They have now joined the NDA and are committed to moving forward.
Nitish Kumar, who is known for changing alliances, founded the INDIA bloc and chaired its first meeting in Patna last year. However, he left the Opposition alliance and rejoined the NDA in January 2024.
In the recent Lok Sabha elections, Nitish Kumar’s party secured 12 seats. He participated in the NDA parliamentary meeting held on Friday to elect Narendra Modi as the NDA Parliamentary Party Leader.
The JD(U) leader has a history of changing sides. In 2013, he ended ties with the BJP and allied with the RJD and Congress. After the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, he once again joined forces with the BJP in 2020, assuming the role of Chief Minister.
However, two years later, he severed ties with the BJP and formed a government with the RJD and Congress. In January of this year, he switched back to the NDA and resumed his position as Chief Minister.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q.1. Did Nitish Kumar consider leading the INDIA bloc?
Ans. Nitish Kumar was approached by the INDIA bloc to lead them as Prime Minister, but he declined the offer despite their previous lack of support for him.
Q.2. What was the INDIA bloc’s performance in the 2024 elections?
Ans. The INDIA bloc performed well, securing 234 out of 543 seats in the Lok Sabha elections, indicating significant support from voters.
Q.3. Why did Nitish Kumar decline the offer to be Prime Minister?
Ans. Nitish Kumar declined the offer to be Prime Minister from the INDIA bloc, opting to remain with his current alliance, the NDA.
Q.4. What alliances did the INDIA bloc form post-elections?
Ans. The INDIA bloc seemed to be forming ties with JD(U) and the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), both allies of the BJP-led NDA, to potentially form the Central government.
Q.5. How has Nitish Kumar’s political journey evolved over the years?
Ans. Nitish Kumar has a history of changing alliances, including shifts between the BJP, RJD, Congress, and forming his bloc. He recently rejoined the NDA, solidifying his position as Chief Minister of Bihar.
