Nitish Kumar's Political Acrobatics: Fear or Strategy?

JD(U) chief Nitish Kumar left the INDIA bloc out of fear over the Ram temple wave, but CPI(ML) leader Dipankar Bhattacharya considers this fear unfounded. Kumar's actions have benefitted BJP in Bihar, securing a better seat count in Lok Sabha elections. Questions about his long-term political loyalty remain.

JD(U) chief Nitish Kumar's decision to exit the INDIA bloc was driven by an unfounded fear over the Ram temple's influence, said CPI(ML) general secretary Dipankar Bhattacharya. In a candid conversation with PTI editors, Bhattacharya dissected Kumar's political maneuvers and its repercussions on the recent Lok Sabha elections, particularly in Uttar Pradesh where BJP's seat count fell significantly.

Kumar, who has shifted political allegiances multiple times, rejoined the BJP-led NDA before the 2024 general elections. Bhattacharya questioned the rationale behind Kumar's frequent party changes and implied that Kumar's survival instinct may have prompted this latest switch.

The realignment has seemingly bolstered BJP's standing in Bihar, helping them clinch 12 Lok Sabha seats. However, Bhattacharya remains skeptical of Kumar's enduring loyalty to the NDA, suggesting the situation is a testament to the volatile nature of Indian political landscapes.