Pressure on Nitish to reconsider decision to quit

The political drama in Bihar continues after senior JD (U) leader Nitish Kumar resigned as Bihar Chief Minister yesterday. While Kumar is adamant on his decision, several legislators want him to reconsider.

 

Meanwhile, a new of political game has begun in the state after Kumar’s has given up his post. JD(U) president Sharad Yadav has also said that the party will choose a new leader in a meeting of party MLAs scheduled later this evening.

“I have been saying this since yesterday. Once someone resigns in our party, he does not come back. We will now choose a new leader,” said Sharad. 

 

On the other hand, most of the party MLAs have asked Kumar to take back his resignation. However, so far Kumar has refused to reconsider.

 

“He feels morally responsible for the party’s poor performance in the general election in Bihar. Several senior leaders also hold him responsible for this debacle. They feel his decision to part ways with the BJP has led to this poor state of the party. To settle this matter forever, Nitish Kumar has resigned. He does not want to reconsider as any step backwards would be seen as a political stunt,” said a JD (U) leader.

 

The party legislators are still expected to urge Kumar to remain as their leader. However, if he refuses to accept their request, the party MLAs are expected to ask him to choose his successor. Senior party leader Vijayendra Yadav and Narendra Narayan Yadav are considered front runner in a race to succeed Kumar. Meanwhile, another senior Minister in Nitish’s cabinet and prominent upper caste leader, Narendra Singh may create some hurdles.

 

Meanwhile, a new alliance seems to rising in the political horizon of the state. Sharad Yadav has invited Lalu Prasad led Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and Congress to form a “Secular Front”. The RJD also seems to in favour of this move, but refuses to show its card before the meeting of JD (U) MLAs. The RJD has 21 MLAs in the state assembly, while the JD-U has 117 legislators including the speaker. JD (U) also enjoys support of 4 Congress members, along with 4 independents. Meanwhile, BJP has a strength of 90 MLAs in the house.

 

According to the party sources, a high level meeting of party leaders was held yesterday late morning at Chief Minister’s official residence in Patna. In this meeting, he took the moral responsibility for the defeat and asked, whether he should resign. Sharad Yadav replied in a grumpy tone that he should as this would send a positive message among the party ranks. Shortly after this meeting, Kumar requested audience with Governor DY Patil and tendered his resignation. 

 

After that the Governor has asked him continue till a new government can take charge. Government has also allotted a government bungalow nearby late last night. Former Chief Ministers are entitled for government accommodation, according to the entitlement rules of the state government.