CM Nitish Kumar Regrets Past Alliance With RJD-Congress, Reaffirms Loyalty to NDA

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Sunday expressed regret over his past political alignments with the RJD-Congress coalition, accusing them of "indulging in mischief when we shared power." Speaking at a rally in Purnea, Kumar firmly reiterated his commitment to the JD(U)-BJP alliance and assured Prime Minister Narendra Modi of his unwavering support.

In a lighter moment, Kumar quipped that his earlier shift in alliances was partly influenced by colleagues within his own party. Gesturing towards Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh 'Lalan'-whom he had replaced as JD(U)'s national president two years ago-the Chief Minister's remark evoked smiles and applause from the Prime Minister.

Political Shifts Over the Years

Nitish Kumar's political journey has been marked by several realignments. In 2013, he severed ties with the BJP over Modi's prime ministerial candidacy, citing the Gujarat riots of 2002. Two years later, he joined the RJD-Congress-led Mahagathbandhan that won the 2015 Bihar elections.

By 2017, however, Kumar walked out of the alliance, citing differences with RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, and returned to the NDA fold. The JD(U)-BJP alliance subsequently secured victory in the 2020 Bihar Assembly polls.

In 2023, Kumar briefly rejoined the RJD-Congress bloc but once again returned to the NDA, positioning himself alongside Modi ahead of the upcoming elections.

"No Going Back Now"

Reflecting on his political journey, Kumar reminded the gathering that the JD(U)-BJP coalition was first formed in Bihar in November 2005. Admitting to having switched sides "once or twice," he stressed that those days are over.

"For one or two times, I went to the other side... But that is a thing of the past. I could never be comfortable with those people... I am now back. And I will not go anywhere henceforth," he said, as quoted by PTI.

With Bihar heading into assembly elections in a few weeks, Kumar's remarks appear aimed at consolidating his base and underlining his long-term commitment to the NDA, despite his history of shifting alliances.