 "Modi wave sweeps Nitish off CM's post")
Taking full responsibility for his party’s decimation in the general elections, senior Janata Dal (United) leader Nitish Kumar on Friday resigned as the chief minister of Bihar. Observers said this was Kumar’s attempt to save face and pre-empt attempts by the resurgent Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to split his party.
Late Friday evening, Bihar Governor D Y Patil accepted his resignation.
In the Lok Sabha elections, saw the Narendra Modi-led BJP sweep to power, the JD (U) managed to win just two seats in the state. The party was also mauled in the by-polls for five Assembly seats.
“I respect the people’s mandate. I led my party’s campaign in Bihar and I accept the full responsibility for the results. Our campaign was based on issues and we contested the elections with dignity. Meanwhile, our rivals indulged in mud-slinging and personal attacks. I sought the mandate on what we did, but we did not get it,” said a visibly pained Kumar.
“I take the moral responsibility for defeat; I should. My council of ministers and I have tendered our resignations.” He added he had taken the decision after discussions with party president Sharad Yadav, as well as other colleagues. “It’s not an emotional decision, but a political one,” he said.
He added these elections had thrown up several red flags for democracy. “The election results suggest very disturbing trends. We have never seen such polarisation along communal lines. This should not have happened, but this is the reality. People have given a clear mandate (to the Bharatiya Janata Party, or BJP) and we respect it.”
He congratulated the BJP for its victory in the Lok Sabha elections.
Kumar denied he had recommended dissolution of the state Assembly, clarifying an alternative government was possible in the state. “I have submitted my resignation. Now, the governor has to look into this matter. I have not suggested him to dissolve the Assembly. We have called a meeting of party legislators on Sunday evening, at which we will discuss further course of action. I have bid goodbye. Now, others are free to try to form a government.”
Kumar has been in troubled waters from the beginning of this year. Several of his trusted lieutenants have deserted him and joined the BJP. Now, his cabinet colleagues are questioning his style of functioning.
On Thursday, three ministers—Nitish Mishra, Ramai Ram and Bhim Singh—got into a scuffle at a cabinet meeting and Kumar had to intervene to put an end to the ruckus. Five other cabinet ministers didn’t attend the meeting.
Kumar’s resignation can have two interpretations: First, he is daring the BJP to form a government in the state, though to do so, the BJP has to engineer the defection of at least two thirds, or 70 MLAs, from the JD(U), which is well nigh impossible. Even if the BJP manages to form a government, it might not be able to win the Assemble elections in the state, due in 15 months.
It could also be faced with a strife-torn government and restive MLAs, Kumar has thrown the gauntlet before his party and is daring other aspirants to the chief minister’s post.
A section in the BJP sees Kumar’s move as a trap. They say the party shouldn’t be drawn into the JD(U)’s internal power struggles. However, another group within the BJP feels the party should make a bid for power.
Late Friday evening, Bihar Governor D Y Patil accepted his resignation.
In the Lok Sabha elections, saw the Narendra Modi-led BJP sweep to power, the JD (U) managed to win just two seats in the state. The party was also mauled in the by-polls for five Assembly seats.
“I respect the people’s mandate. I led my party’s campaign in Bihar and I accept the full responsibility for the results. Our campaign was based on issues and we contested the elections with dignity. Meanwhile, our rivals indulged in mud-slinging and personal attacks. I sought the mandate on what we did, but we did not get it,” said a visibly pained Kumar.
“I take the moral responsibility for defeat; I should. My council of ministers and I have tendered our resignations.” He added he had taken the decision after discussions with party president Sharad Yadav, as well as other colleagues. “It’s not an emotional decision, but a political one,” he said.
He added these elections had thrown up several red flags for democracy. “The election results suggest very disturbing trends. We have never seen such polarisation along communal lines. This should not have happened, but this is the reality. People have given a clear mandate (to the Bharatiya Janata Party, or BJP) and we respect it.”
He congratulated the BJP for its victory in the Lok Sabha elections.
Kumar denied he had recommended dissolution of the state Assembly, clarifying an alternative government was possible in the state. “I have submitted my resignation. Now, the governor has to look into this matter. I have not suggested him to dissolve the Assembly. We have called a meeting of party legislators on Sunday evening, at which we will discuss further course of action. I have bid goodbye. Now, others are free to try to form a government.”
| HARD TIMES |
Nitish Kumar has been under attack from several leaders within his party. The list includes
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Kumar has been in troubled waters from the beginning of this year. Several of his trusted lieutenants have deserted him and joined the BJP. Now, his cabinet colleagues are questioning his style of functioning.
On Thursday, three ministers—Nitish Mishra, Ramai Ram and Bhim Singh—got into a scuffle at a cabinet meeting and Kumar had to intervene to put an end to the ruckus. Five other cabinet ministers didn’t attend the meeting.
Kumar’s resignation can have two interpretations: First, he is daring the BJP to form a government in the state, though to do so, the BJP has to engineer the defection of at least two thirds, or 70 MLAs, from the JD(U), which is well nigh impossible. Even if the BJP manages to form a government, it might not be able to win the Assemble elections in the state, due in 15 months.
It could also be faced with a strife-torn government and restive MLAs, Kumar has thrown the gauntlet before his party and is daring other aspirants to the chief minister’s post.
A section in the BJP sees Kumar’s move as a trap. They say the party shouldn’t be drawn into the JD(U)’s internal power struggles. However, another group within the BJP feels the party should make a bid for power.