Amidst growing speculation surrounding Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s potential departure from the INDIA bloc, Jairam Ramesh, a prominent figure within the coalition, responded to the rumours. Ramesh acknowledged that despite efforts by Mallikarjun Kharge to establish communication with Nitish Kumar, no conversation has taken place due to their busy schedules. The ongoing uncertainty has fueled rumours suggesting a potential alliance between Nitish Kumar’s JD(U) and the BJP, posing a challenge to the INDIA bloc in the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
Ramesh addressed the situation by noting that the Congress is dispatching former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel to Bihar as a senior observer in response to reports of a possible formation of a new council of ministers in the state. Baghel is expected to arrive in Patna tonight to assess the political landscape and contribute to the Congress’s strategy.
Despite the reported challenges, Ramesh emphasized the commitment of the INDIA bloc to addressing national issues. He highlighted positive seat-sharing talks in Uttar Pradesh and stressed the shared responsibility of strengthening the alliance. Ramesh described Nitish Kumar as one of the architects of the INDIA bloc and underscored the national-level significance of the alliance.
“While heated exchanges occur at the state level, the alliance remains committed to addressing national issues. Nitish Kumar played a crucial role in the formation of the alliance,” stated Ramesh. He downplayed reports of an implosion within the bloc, emphasizing that diverse opinions and disagreements are inherent in the democratic process. Ramesh expressed optimism about the political situations in West Bengal and Bihar, acknowledging that while optics could have been better, the overall situation is under control. The INDIA bloc continues to navigate challenges, focusing on its broader mission of addressing national concerns in the run-up to the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
