Mallikarjun Kharge Slams JD(U)-BJP Alliance In Bihar, Says 'Opportunist' Nitish Kumar Eyes Only 'Kursi'

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge delivered a sharp critique of Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Sunday, accusing him of frequently switching political sides purely for the sake of retaining power.

Speaking at the Congress' 'Jai Bapu, Jai Bhim, Jai Samvidhan' rally held at Dalsagar Stadium in Buxar, Kharge branded the JD(U)-BJP alliance as "opportunistic" and detrimental to the people of Bihar.

Photo Credit: https://x.com/kharge

"The alliance between Nitish Kumar and the BJP is opportunistic. It does not serve the interests of the people. Kumar shifts loyalties solely for the 'kursi' (CM's chair). He has aligned himself with the very ideology responsible for Mahatma Gandhi's assassination," Kharge asserted.

Referring to the recently concluded budget session of Parliament, Kharge alleged that the central government was more focused on stirring division than addressing development concerns.

"The most debated issue in the session was the Waqf Bill. Modi Ji and BJP leaders believe that they can win votes by inciting religious sentiment, rather than through meaningful governance," he said.

Kharge also questioned the fate of a previously promised special financial package, asking voters to hold both Nitish Kumar and Prime Minister Narendra Modi accountable.

"Where is the ₹1.25 lakh crore package for Bihar that Modi Ji promised back on 18 August 2015? Modi Ji is running a factory of lies," he declared.

He concluded his address by urging Biharis to back the opposition alliance in the forthcoming state elections. "The NDA government must be removed. Vote for the Mahagathbandhan parties," Kharge appealed.

On National Herald Case

Responding to the Enforcement Directorate's recent chargesheet against Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi in connection with the National Herald case, Kharge claimed it was part of a political vendetta against Congress.

"This is aimed at silencing the Congress leadership. But our leaders will not be intimidated. Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi gave their lives for the nation," he said.

Further criticising the BJP and the RSS, Kharge accused them of failing to protect the interests of marginalised communities.

"They are anti-poor, anti-women, and against the underprivileged. The RSS-BJP ideology does not aim to uplift society but rather to divide it along caste and religious lines," he alleged.

He also denounced the recently passed Waqf (Amendment) Bill, calling it a deliberate attempt by the BJP-RSS to sow communal discord.

"The Waqf Bill is yet another ploy to divide society," Kharge concluded.

(With agency inputs)