Bihar’s Political Countdown: Tejashwi’s Bid to Oust Nitish
Unraveling the Intricacies: Tejashwi's Potential Ascent, Behind-the-Scenes Maneuvering, and 'Operation Lalan'
The political landscape of Bihar indicates a clear split within the ‘India’ Bloc.’ Tensions between Janatadal United (JDU) and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) have resurfaced. The main focus of the unrest is the removal of Rajiv Ranjan Singh, also known as Lalan Singh, from the position of party president. Additionally, Tejashwi Yadav, the Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar, called off an official vacation to Australia, igniting speculation that he may be promoted to the highly sought-after Chief Minister post.
Lalu Prasad Yadav‘s RJD commands a formidable 79 seats in the 243-member Bihar Assembly. Alongside coalition partners, including Congress, CPI-ML, CPM, CPI, and Independents, the alliance holds 114 seats. Nitish Kumar’s JDU stands at 45 seats on the other side of the spectrum. Even if JDU withdraws support, Tejashwi can still clinch the Chief Minister’s role with the backing of seven legislators from outside. This dynamic shift has highlighted the differences between Nitish Kumar and Lalan Singh.
RJD insiders hint that the decision to ground Tejashwi’s foreign sojourn stems from the ongoing political uncertainties. Speculations abound that Tejashwi might soon ascend to the Chief Ministerial throne. On the other hand, Nitish Kumar suspects Lalan Singh’s machinations to position Tejashwi as Chief Minister, aligning him closely with RJD. It’s reported that Lalu Prasad Yadav and Lalan Singh hashed out their strategies mid-air, creating ripples that resonate in Bihar’s political landscape.
Recent events suggest that Lalan Singh held a clandestine meeting with 12 JDU MLAs just days before the upheaval. Advocating for Tejashwi Yadav as Chief Minister for weeks, Lalan Singh’s proposal faced resistance from Nitish Kumar. However, Tejashwi’s potential elevation to Chief Minister relies on Lalan Singh swaying 12 JDU MLAs to his side. RJD strategists believe this move is crucial for their prospects in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.
The JDU, growing increasingly suspicious of Lalan Singh, witnesses reports of Nitish resuming the role of National President. Lalan, once a steadfast anti-BJP leader, has now seemingly shifted alliances. This setback challenges Nitish’s aspirations to exert pressure on the opposition ‘India’ alliance and the grand alliance in Bihar, especially with the looming Lok Sabha elections. Nitish Kumar’s recent accusations against the Congress during the National Council meeting in Delhi underscore the escalating tensions within the political sphere.
This political revolution originated with Nitish Kumar’s exit from the BJP, which was arranged by Rabri Devi and his son, Lalu Prasad Yadav. According to newly surfaced claims, Lalu Prasad Yadav and his son Lalan Singh are allegedly plotting behind closed doors to remove Nitish Kumar from his position as chief minister.
Even without JDU’s support, Tejashwi can stake his claim to the Chief Minister’s chair with backing from seven external legislators. Lalan Singh’s calculated move to bring 12 JDU MLAs into the fold reveals a larger plan to align them with Lalu Prasad Yadav’s camp, with promises of a Rajya Sabha MP status for Lalan Singh.
But one of the twelve MLAs, aware of Lalan Singh’s scheme, told Nitish Kumar, which led him to launch ‘Operation Lalan.’ Lalan Singh resigned on Friday due to this calculated action, which helped Nitish Kumar become the JDU’s national president again. The effects of Bihar’s maneuvering in this tumultuous political sea extend well beyond party lines and impact the state’s political cohesiveness. The electorate and the country will be on the edge of their seats as further twists and turns in this captivating story are promised in the days ahead.
