“Back Where I Was, No Question of Going Anywhere Now”: Nitish Kumar After NDA Switch

Patna: Nitish Kumar assumed office as Bihar’s Chief Minister for the ninth time, emphasizing his unwavering commitment to the state’s development. Dismissing speculations about his political trajectory, Kumar asserted that he has returned to his roots in the NDA alliance and ruled out any possibility of deviation.

Responding to Tejashwi Yadav’s assertion that JD(U) would fade away by 2024, Kumar brushed off the remarks, highlighting the lack of substantive action by the RJD leader. “We focus on Bihar’s progress and development; that’s our agenda. Tejashwi wasn’t delivering results. Now, I’m back in the NDA, and there’s no question of going elsewhere,” Kumar told reporters in Patna.

Eight ministers took the oath today, with more inductions expected soon. Kumar assured unity within the coalition, appointing Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Sinha as Deputy Chief Ministers. Choudhary, speaking after his oath as Deputy CM, expressed confidence in the NDA’s prospects, aiming to secure all 40 Lok Sabha seats in Bihar and defeat the Yadav family.

In a surprising turn of events, Kumar resigned as Bihar CM, citing the ineffectiveness of the ‘Mahagathbandhan’ alliance with RJD. He also severed ties with the INDIA bloc, a coalition he played a pivotal role in forming, citing a lack of meaningful participation from other partners.

The veteran leader’s return to the NDA fold marks a significant political realignment, setting the stage for renewed focus on Bihar’s development and progress under his leadership.