JDU(U) national president Nitish Kumar is all set to take oath as Bihar chief minister for the record 9th time. The swearing-in ceremony will be held at 5 PM today. Along with Nitish, two deputy chief ministers will take oath from the BJP.
Earlier today, Nitish Kumar handed over his resignation from the post of Bihar CM to Governor Rajendra Arlekar, ending his alliance with the RJD-led ‘Mahagathbandhan’.
The Governor asked him to continue as caretaker Chief Minister till a new government is formed.
“I have resigned as Chief Minister and ended this government. I was getting suggestions from all around. I had quit an earlier alliance for a new tie-up. But the situation was not okay. So I have resigned,” he told reporters in Patna.
Kumar said he was facing difficulties working with the Mahagathbandhan and when he shared his concerns with JD(U) members, they suggested his should resign.
“I was facing difficulties in working with this alliance. When I explained this to party members, they advised me to resign,” he said.
Later in the day, he submitted letter of supports from BJP legislators to the Governor and staked claim to form a new NDA government.
This was his 5th flip-flop in the last 10 years. The Bihar CM had ditched the BJP-led NDA in 2022 and formed government with the help of RJD, Congress and other constituents.
Kumar also ended his association with the Opposition’s INDIA bloc, saying the other members of the alliance were not doing anything.
Reacting to the development, the Congress launched a scathing attack at Janata Dal (United) president and said the latter is giving tough competition to the “chameleons” in changing colours.
“Nitish Kumar, who frequently changes political partners, is giving tough competition to the chameleons in changing colours,” said Congress general secretary in-charge of communication Jairam Ramesh in a post on X after Kumar resigned as Bihar Chief Minister.
Without naming anyone, Ramesh, who is also the Congress’ MP in Rajya Sabha, said,” The people of Bihar will not forgive the experts of this betrayal and those who made them dance on their tune.”