Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Monday firmly dismissed rumors of a potential exit from the NDA, emphasizing his long-standing association with the BJP and the legacy of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
“Atal ji’s Affectionate Guidance”
Kumar, who is also the JD(U) president, fondly recalled Vajpayee’s unwavering support during his tenure as a Union minister. “Respected Atal ji made me a Union minister and always showed great affection towards me. He ensured all my proposals were cleared smoothly,” he said during his visit to Vaishali as part of the state-wide Pragati Yatra.
The Chief Minister also highlighted Vajpayee’s pivotal role in his political journey, revealing, “It was Atal ji’s wish that I become the Chief Minister when the NDA first won the assembly polls in 2005.”
Alliance with BJP “a Natural Choice”
Addressing speculation about his commitment to the NDA, Kumar clarified that his ties with the BJP were deeply rooted. He acknowledged past alliances with the RJD-Congress combine as “mistakes” and stated, “A couple of times, people in my party pushed for an alliance with the Congress-RJD combine, but I corrected that mistake both times.”
Speculations and Amit Shah’s Stance
Political circles were abuzz after Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s recent comments appeared ambiguous regarding Kumar’s projection as the NDA’s chief ministerial candidate in the upcoming assembly elections.
Adding fuel to the fire, RJD chief Lalu Prasad recently expressed openness to welcoming Nitish Kumar back into the fold, stating, “My doors are always open.”
Focus on Governance
Despite the political murmurs, Nitish Kumar remains focused on the developmental goals of his Pragati Yatra. His emphasis on unity and progress underlines his dedication to ensuring Bihar’s continued growth under the NDA umbrella.
