Nitish Kumars Return to NDA: Good Riddance for Opposition, Says Jairam Ramesh

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh reacts to Nitish Kumars departure from the opposition INDIA bloc, expressing relief among many leaders. He challenges Kumar to leverage his NDA ally position to release the caste survey report from the Manmohan Singh era.

Kishanganj/Araria, Bihar: Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh asserted that Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's abrupt return to the BJP-led NDA was a "good riddance" for the opposition INDIA bloc, with many leaders now "heaving a sigh of relief."

Ramesh Challenges Kumar to Leverage NDA Position

Speaking to reporters in Kishanganj district shortly after Rahul Gandhi's 'Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra' entered Bihar, Ramesh challenged the JDU president to use his position as an NDA ally to compel the Narendra Modi government at the Centre to make public the report of the caste survey conducted by the previous Manmohan Singh regime.

No Adverse Impact on INDIA Bloc

"There is going to be absolutely no adverse impact on INDIA bloc of Kumar's exit. Many leaders are heaving a sigh of relief and saying thank god this man is gone. It is good riddance," said Ramesh, whose party lost power in Bihar and two cabinet berths due to Kumar's latest volte-face.

Kumar's Behavior Raised Suspicions

"It is true that Kumar had hosted the first meeting of opposition leaders in Patna and attended subsequent conclaves. But, although we could not make out what his plans were, in the past two or three months his behavior was not inspiring trust," Ramesh said.

Colorful Epithets for Kumar

Ramesh mocked Kumar with a series of colorful epithets, suggesting that the old adage 'Aaya Ram, Gaya Ram' to describe weathercocks should be replaced with 'Aaya Kumar, Gaya Kumar.'

Timing of Kumar's Move Questioned

Ramesh alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi, whom he referred to as the "jhooth ke jagadguru pontiff of liars," had masterminded the timing chosen by Kumar, who he called the "vishwasghat ke visheshagya specialist in betrayals."

BJP Jittery Over Bharat Jodo Yatra

Ramesh claimed that the BJP was jittery over the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra's entry into Bihar and had orchestrated Kumar's flip to divert attention from the yatra.

Focus Shifts to NDA's Impact

Ramesh asserted that the question now should not be about the impact on the INDIA bloc, but on the NDA itself. He challenged Kumar to use his clout to ensure the Centre makes public the caste survey report commissioned by the previous Congress government.

Positive Response in Kishanganj and Araria

Ramesh reported a tremendous response from the people of Kishanganj and Araria as the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra reached those districts. He highlighted the enthusiastic participation in the padayatra and the positive reception the yatra was receiving in Bihar, similar to Assam and Bengal.

Upcoming Rallies

Ramesh announced that Rahul Gandhi will address a mega rally in Purnea on Tuesday and another rally in Ranchi either on February 5 or 6, with Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge also expected to attend.

Jairam Ramesh's statements reflect the Congress party's perspective on Nitish Kumar's return to the NDA and the potential impact on the opposition bloc. The Congress leader's challenges to Kumar and the BJP highlight the ongoing political dynamics in Bihar and the significance of the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra.