A fresh political tussle has erupted between the Bharatiya Janata Party BJP and Janata Dal-United JDU, reigniting tensions over Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s political future. The conflict unfolded during a televised interview on October 3, where Bihar Minority Welfare Minister and JD(U) leader Zama Khan and BJP national spokesperson Ajay Alok exchanged sharp remarks regarding Kumar’s ambitions.
Zama Khan stirred controversy by confidently stating that Nitish Kumar could become India’s next Prime Minister. My prayers will soon be answered. The Opposition will rally behind Nitish Kumar to make him Prime Minister, Khan declared, emphasizing that Congress would support Kumar’s candidacy if proposed. Khan praised the Bihar CM as PM material and lauded his unblemished record and inclusive governance style. He added, If Nitish Kumar leads, Bihar and the entire nation will develop rapidly.
Khan, who joined JDU from the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) in 2021, positioned Nitish Kumar as a key player in national politics, highlighting his experience as both Chief Minister and former Union minister.
In response, BJP’s Ajay Alok dismissed the notion, saying, There’s no vacancy for the Prime Minister’s post. He made a sarcastic reference to recent events in Israel, adding, People have been talking nonsense since Israel killed Nasrallah. Alok ridiculed the idea further, suggesting that JDU should consult Congress and other Opposition parties about their desire for Nitish Kumar’s leadership at the national level.
The exchange reflects the increasing strain between the former allies in Bihar. RJD spokesperson Mrityunjay Tiwari also chimed in, accusing the BJP of trying to unseat Nitish Kumar from his Chief Minister post. JDU is pushing Nitish Kumar as Prime Minister because BJP is plotting to remove him from office, Tiwari alleged. He warned that JDU might withdraw its support from the BJP at the Centre if such moves are made.
Tiwari further advised JDU to focus on securing Nitish Kumar’s position in Bihar before eyeing the prime ministership. This political sparring underscores the fragile alliance between JDU and BJP, as JDU positions itself strategically ahead of the upcoming elections.
