As the ongoing political slug-fest in Bihar continues for the third week, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar needs to find a quick fix to the problem, or risk presenting a fractured front before the people when the Monsoon Session of Bihar Vidhan Sabha commences on July 28.
Nitish, who is currently visiting the national capital, wanted Tejashwi Prasad Yadav, his deputy and younger son of RJD President Lalu Prasad Yadav, to step down after his name figured as an accused in the land-for-railways hotels’ scam FIR lodged by the CBI.
However, with the RJD ruling out any chances of Tejashwi’s resignation, all eyes are on “image-conscious” Nitish and his decision on the matter. “Nitishji is not satisfied with the clarification given to him by Tejashwi in a closed-door meet. He wants a public rebuttal of the allegations made against him so that no one is able to raise a finger over his zero-tolerance policy against corruption,” a senior JD (U) leader said.
Continuing with the RJD, without a “public clarification” from Tejashwi, will be a major blow to Nitish’s image. However, he is unlikely to side with its former ally, the BJP, which has been showing thawing signs for some time.
“A section of the partymen are severely opposed to siding with the BJP and if Nitish decides to go back to the NDA fold, he may be looking at a split in his party,” the JD (U) leader added.
The RJD too is weighing its options of forming a government with the Congress, or replacing one of Lalu’s daughter with his sons.
According to political experts, Nitish may take some decision on the matter after the swearing in of new President Ram Nath Kovind, but before July 28, when the Bihar legislative assembly will meet up for the monsoon session.
Friends and foes
Congress, which was trying to play the peacemaker between the warring allies, has not found much success.
BJP is feeling cheated, especially since Nitish has failed to remove Tejashwi and has stepped up its attack against the Yadav clan.
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