Nitish Kumar Endorses Narendra Modi for Third Term, Shakes Up Political Landscape.

Summary : Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has endorsed Prime Minister Narendra Modi for a third term, marking a significant shift as he previously aligned with the Congress-led INDIA opposition bloc. This move, criticized by his former allies who dubbed him ‘turncoat Kumar’, strengthens the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA), which lacks a majority. Kumar’s Janata Dal United (JDU) and Chandrababu Naidu’s Telugu Desam Party (TDP) are now key players, offering crucial support to the BJP. Despite speculation about a reunion with the opposition, Kumar has committed to Modi, demanding cabinet positions for his party in return. This endorsement bolsters the NDA while challenging the opposition to regroup and strategize.

In a bold move that has sent ripples through India’s political landscape, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has endorsed Prime Minister Narendra Modi for a third term. This endorsement, announced at a recent meeting of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance’s (NDA) newly-elected MPs, marks a significant shift for Kumar, who had recently aligned with the Congress-led INDIA opposition bloc.

Kumar’s pivot has drawn sharp criticism from his former allies, who have labeled him ‘paltu Kumar’ or ‘turncoat Kumar’. Undeterred by the nickname, Kumar criticized his former allies, asserting that the INDIA bloc “has not done any work for the country”. This comment comes amidst speculation that the opposition had reached out to him, seeking his support. Firmly closing the door on these speculations, Kumar declared, “I will be with PM at all times.”

Kumar’s endorsement is particularly significant given the fragmented nature of India’s current political landscape. The BJP fell short of securing a majority on its own in the recent elections. Thus, Kumar’s Janata Dal United (JDU) and Chandrababu Naidu’s Telugu Desam Party (TDP) have emerged as crucial players. Their combined 28 MPs are essential for the BJP to form and sustain the government.

Despite rumors of a potential reunion between Kumar and the INDIA bloc, fueled by the BJP’s failure to secure a majority, Kumar remained non-committal. Sources close to Kumar dismissed these rumors, pointing to unresolved issues such as his appointment as the Convenor of the INDIA bloc, which led to his exit.

Kumar’s demands for his party’s support are clear. The JDU seeks two cabinet positions, a junior Union Minister berth, and a common minimum program. Notably, they have their sights set on the Railways Minister post, a position previously held by Kumar.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Modi did not hesitate to attack the opposition, particularly the Congress party. He mocked the Congress for its inability to secure more than 100 seats in the past three Lok Sabha elections.

As the political drama unfolds, Kumar’s steadfast support for Modi strengthens the BJP-led NDA’s position. This leaves the opposition bloc scrambling to regroup and devise their next strategy. In this high-stakes political arena, Kumar’s allegiance emerges as a pivotal factor shaping the future of Indian politics.