Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's JD(U) on Sunday announced candidates for all 16 Lok Sabha seats it is contesting in the state. 12 of the JD(U)'s sitting MPs have been given another chance from their respective seats.

India Election 2024: JD(U) names candidates list on 16 seats in Bihar

National Democratic Alliance partners are announcing seat-sharing for the upcoming General Elections.

Bihar: NDA seat-sharing deal finalised; voting for Bihar's 40 seats to take place in seven phases

Bihar's Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is likely to expand his cabinet. The Strategic expansion comes days ahead of the crucial Lok Sabha elections.

India elections 2024: Bihar CM Nitish Kumar likely to expand cabinet today

Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad Yadav on Sunday (March 3) came down heavily on Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar stating that he was never abused by RJD when he previously broke the alliance with them in the year 2017.

He then questioned Kumar's decision to return to the NDA fold asking if he ever feels ashamed about the way he keeps changing sides.

While addressing the party's 'Jan Vishwas Maha Rally' in Patna, Yadav said, "We never abused him when he broke alliance with us. We just called him Paltu-Ram at that time. But we made the same mistake again, and Tejashwi made the same mistake again. We knew something was happening in Raj Bhawan. There was nothing wrong with that government (previous Bihar govt). Does he not feel ashamed?"

He then appealed to the public to make the BJP lose in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls stating that the opinion of Bihar resonates with that of the country.

"Bihar has given lots of great personalities. In the same Gandhi Maidan, leaders of the country have held rallies and meetings. A message went to the whole country from here. Bihar's opinion has so much power that the people of the country imitate what Bihar decides. Tomorrow also, the same is going to happen," he said.

Opposition leaders such as Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav were also present at the RJD's 'Jan Vishwas Maha Rally'.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-polls-former-health-minister-harsh-vardhan-quits-politics-says-my-clinic-awaits-my-return-696193">Lok Sabha polls 2024: Former Health Minister Harsh Vardhan quits politics, says ‘my clinic awaits my return’</a>

<h2>'Who will take guarantee of Nitish Kumar,' says RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav</h2>

RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav also slammed the Bihar CM over repeatedly changing sides stating that the state government should get an insurance done because of JD-U chief Kumar's repeated U-turns.

"They (BJP) say 'Modi ki Guarantee', but who will take the guarantee of Nitish Kumar? They accuse us of nepotism&nbsp;but they have Samrat Choudhary, brother of Ram Vilas Paswan, Manjhi ji's son has been made minister, it doesn't look like any nepotism to them," Tejashwi said.

"Due to the U-turn taken by Nitish Kumar, it seems that the state government should get its insurance done. They say Modi ki Guarantee, but who will take the guarantee of Nitish Kumar," he said a day after PM Modi accused Congress-RJD of nepotism.

(With inputs from agencies)

Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad Yadav on Sunday (March 3) came down heavily on Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar stating that he was never abused by RJD when he previously broke the alliance with them in the year 2017.

Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad Yadav on Sunday (March 3) came down heavily on Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar stating that he was never abused by RJD when he previously broke the alliance with them in the year 2017. He then questioned Kumar's decision to return to the NDA fold asking if he ever feels ashamed about the way he keeps changing sides. While addressing the party's 'Jan Vishwas Maha Rally' in Patna, Yadav said, "We never abused him when he broke alliance with us. We just called him Paltu-Ram at that time. But we made the same mistake again, and Tejashwi made the same mistake again. We knew something was happening in Raj Bhawan. There was nothing wrong with that government (previous Bihar govt). Does he not feel ashamed?" He then appealed to the public to make the BJP lose in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls stating that the opinion of Bihar resonates with that of the country. "Bihar has given lots of great personalities. In the same Gandhi Maidan, leaders of the country have held rallies and meetings. A message went to the whole country from here. Bihar's opinion has so much power that the people of the country imitate what Bihar decides. Tomorrow also, the same is going to happen," he said. Opposition leaders such as Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav were also present at the RJD's 'Jan Vishwas Maha Rally'. Also read: Lok Sabha polls 2024: Former Health Minister Harsh Vardhan quits politics, says ‘my clinic awaits my return’ 'Who will take guarantee of Nitish Kumar,' says RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav also slammed the Bihar CM over repeatedly changing sides stating that the state government should get an insurance done because of JD-U chief Kumar's repeated U-turns. "They (BJP) say 'Modi ki Guarantee', but who will take the guarantee of Nitish Kumar? They accuse us of nepotism but they have Samrat Choudhary, brother of Ram Vilas Paswan, Manjhi ji's son has been made minister, it doesn't look like any nepotism to them," Tejashwi said. "Due to the U-turn taken by Nitish Kumar, it seems that the state government should get its insurance done. They say Modi ki Guarantee, but who will take the guarantee of Nitish Kumar," he said a day after PM Modi accused Congress-RJD of nepotism. (With inputs from agencies)

‘Does he not feel ashamed?’ Lalu Prasad Yadav comes down heavily on Bihar CM Nitish Kumar

Former deputy chief minister of the Indian state of Bihar, Tejashwi Yadav, while addressing the 'Jan Vishwas Maha Rally' in Patna's Gandhi Maidan, took a jibe at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) while dubbing it a "factory of lies".

He further affirmed that his party Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) stands for 'Rights, Jobs and Development'.

"I can say with confidence that the BJP is a factory of lies... but the RJD stands for 'Rights, Jobs and Development'."

"BJP leaders make false promises (jumla karte hain)... but we fight for the rights and jobs of the people of Bihar and the country," Yadav said.

He then stated that while some claim people that RJD is a party of the M-Y (Muslim and Yadav), it in fact is a party of the M-Y and BAAP, where B stands for Bahujan, A for 'Agda' (upper caste), A for 'Aadhi Aabadi' (women) and P for poor.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-elections-2024-pm-modi-to-chair-key-ministerial-meet-ahead-of-polls-whats-on-agenda-696119">Lok Sabha Elections 2024: PM Modi to chair key ministerial meet ahead of polls. What’s on agenda?</a>

<h2>‘Idhar Chala Main Udhar Chala’:&nbsp;Yadav hits out at Nitish Kumar with film song reference</h2>

Yadav further took a dig at Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar saying, "What the Mahagathbandhan government did in the last 17 months in the state, Nitish ji, who has joined hands with the BJP, could not do in the last 17 years."&nbsp;

He then mocked Kumar, who earlier this year dumped the RJD-led Grand Alliance to return to the NDA, referring to a song "Idhar Chala Main Udhar Chala" (I'm going from here to there) from actor Hrithik Roshan's film.

"Nitish chacha (uncle) does something like this and frequently changes sides. Currently Bihar has two deputy chief ministers, one is a foul mouth while another is a loud mouth. The deputy CM who is a loudmouth has not contested any poll in the last 14 years. The last time he fought elections and won was on an RJD ticket," he said, in an apparent reference to Samrat Chaudhary.

Accusing the BJP-led NDA of indulging in horse-trading, he said, "It will not make any difference to the Grand Alliance. People will decide their fate&nbsp;in the polls."

(With inputs from agencies)

Former deputy chief minister of the Indian state of Bihar, Tejashwi Yadav, while addressing the 'Jan Vishwas Maha Rally' in Patna's Gandhi Maidan, took a jibe at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) while dubbing it a "factory of lies".

Former deputy chief minister of the Indian state of Bihar, Tejashwi Yadav, while addressing the 'Jan Vishwas Maha Rally' in Patna's Gandhi Maidan, took a jibe at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) while dubbing it a "factory of lies". He further affirmed that his party Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) stands for 'Rights, Jobs and Development'. "I can say with confidence that the BJP is a factory of lies... but the RJD stands for 'Rights, Jobs and Development'." "BJP leaders make false promises (jumla karte hain)... but we fight for the rights and jobs of the people of Bihar and the country," Yadav said. He then stated that while some claim people that RJD is a party of the M-Y (Muslim and Yadav), it in fact is a party of the M-Y and BAAP, where B stands for Bahujan, A for 'Agda' (upper caste), A for 'Aadhi Aabadi' (women) and P for poor. Also read: Lok Sabha Elections 2024: PM Modi to chair key ministerial meet ahead of polls. What’s on agenda? ‘Idhar Chala Main Udhar Chala’: Yadav hits out at Nitish Kumar with film song reference Yadav further took a dig at Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar saying, "What the Mahagathbandhan government did in the last 17 months in the state, Nitish ji, who has joined hands with the BJP, could not do in the last 17 years." He then mocked Kumar, who earlier this year dumped the RJD-led Grand Alliance to return to the NDA, referring to a song "Idhar Chala Main Udhar Chala" (I'm going from here to there) from actor Hrithik Roshan's film. "Nitish chacha (uncle) does something like this and frequently changes sides. Currently Bihar has two deputy chief ministers, one is a foul mouth while another is a loud mouth. The deputy CM who is a loudmouth has not contested any poll in the last 14 years. The last time he fought elections and won was on an RJD ticket," he said, in an apparent reference to Samrat Chaudhary. Accusing the BJP-led NDA of indulging in horse-trading, he said, "It will not make any difference to the Grand Alliance. People will decide their fate in the polls." (With inputs from agencies)

India: Tejashwi Yadav mocks Bihar CM Nitish Kumar with Bollywood song

Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad Yadav, hopeful of Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's return to an alliance with his party, on Friday (Feb 16) said that "doors remain open" for the Janata Dal (United) supremo (JD(U)).

Kumar on Saturday responding to Lalu's remarks said, “I don't pay attention to who says what. Things were not going well, so I left them (RJD).”

"We will now investigate whatever went wrong in between,” he added.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | On Lalu Yadav's 'doors open' remark, Bihar CM &amp; JD(U) leader Nitish Kumar says, "Don't think of who says what...Things were not going well, so I left them (RJD)..." <a href="https://t.co/CEBDq5LaMn">pic.twitter.com/CEBDq5LaMn</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1758724044466028913?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 17, 2024</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

In January, Kumar ditched JDU's alliance with Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and formed a new government with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

He took oath as chief minister of the east Indian state of Bihar for the record ninth time, cutting ties with the combined opposition's INDIA alliance.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/never-happened-before-in-india-ncp-founder-sharad-pawar-reacts-after-losing-party-name-to-nephew-691204">‘Never happened before in India,’ NCP founder Sharad Pawar reacts after losing party name to nephew</a>

Lalu was on Friday asked if his party would give another chance to the Bihar CM, to which he replied, "Ab aayenge toh dekhenge, khula hi rehta hai darwaaza' (if he will we will see, door remains open)."

A day before, the two were seen exchanging pleasantries in a brief encounter at the state assembly.

The footage of their brief interaction became a talking point on social media as it was their first meeting following the recent separation.

Lalu was accompanied by his son, former Bihar deputy chief minister Tejashwi Yadav.

Further, on being asked if Rahul Gandhi could become the next prime minister of the country, Lalu said, "Koi kami thodi hai, koi kami nahi hain, (there is no incompetency in him)."

He also affirmed that he would remove PM Modi in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

<h2>Tejashwi Yadav launches fresh attack on Nitish Kumar</h2>

Tejashwi Yadav, launching a scathing attack against Kumar, said that the Bihar CM does not want to listen to anyone.

"You all very well know how our CM is, he does not want to listen to anyone. He used to say 'I will die, but won't join BJP'...We decided to stay with Nitish ji, no matter how much we have to sacrifice, only to defeat BJP in 2024. We had appointed a tired Chief Minister," said Yadav while addressing the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra on Friday in Sasaram.

Yadav, who joined the Rahul Gandhi-led 'Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra' on Friday, was seen driving the Congress leader in the lead jeep.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad Yadav, hopeful of Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's return to an alliance with his party, on Friday (Feb 16) said that "doors remain open" for the Janata Dal (United) supremo (JD(U)).

Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad Yadav, hopeful of Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's return to an alliance with his party, on Friday (Feb 16) said that "doors remain open" for the Janata Dal (United) supremo (JD(U)). Kumar on Saturday responding to Lalu's remarks said, “I don't pay attention to who says what. Things were not going well, so I left them (RJD).” "We will now investigate whatever went wrong in between,” he added. #WATCH | On Lalu Yadav's 'doors open' remark, Bihar CM & JD(U) leader Nitish Kumar says, "Don't think of who says what...Things were not going well, so I left them (RJD)..." pic.twitter.com/CEBDq5LaMn — ANI (@ANI) February 17, 2024 × In January, Kumar ditched JDU's alliance with Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and formed a new government with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). He took oath as chief minister of the east Indian state of Bihar for the record ninth time, cutting ties with the combined opposition's INDIA alliance. Also read: ‘Never happened before in India,’ NCP founder Sharad Pawar reacts after losing party name to nephew Lalu was on Friday asked if his party would give another chance to the Bihar CM, to which he replied, "Ab aayenge toh dekhenge, khula hi rehta hai darwaaza' (if he will we will see, door remains open)." A day before, the two were seen exchanging pleasantries in a brief encounter at the state assembly. The footage of their brief interaction became a talking point on social media as it was their first meeting following the recent separation. Lalu was accompanied by his son, former Bihar deputy chief minister Tejashwi Yadav. Further, on being asked if Rahul Gandhi could become the next prime minister of the country, Lalu said, "Koi kami thodi hai, koi kami nahi hain, (there is no incompetency in him)." He also affirmed that he would remove PM Modi in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. Tejashwi Yadav launches fresh attack on Nitish Kumar Tejashwi Yadav, launching a scathing attack against Kumar, said that the Bihar CM does not want to listen to anyone. "You all very well know how our CM is, he does not want to listen to anyone. He used to say 'I will die, but won't join BJP'...We decided to stay with Nitish ji, no matter how much we have to sacrifice, only to defeat BJP in 2024. We had appointed a tired Chief Minister," said Yadav while addressing the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra on Friday in Sasaram. Yadav, who joined the Rahul Gandhi-led 'Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra' on Friday, was seen driving the Congress leader in the lead jeep. (With inputs from agencies)

India: Bihar CM Nitish Kumar responds to Lalu Prasad Yadav’s ‘doors remain open’ remark

A few weeks after returning to the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) camp, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is set to face the floor test in the state Assembly today (Monday). This is the final hurdle for the renewed Nitish Kumar-BJP alliance government in the state. The trust vote will kick off the budget session of the state assembly.

Nitish Kumar-led new Bihar government to face floor test today

A few weeks after returning to the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) camp, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar faced the floor test in the state Assembly today and won. This was the final hurdle for the renewed Nitish Kumar-BJP alliance government in the state.

Nitish Kumar wins trust vote by 129 votes, opposition walks out

Nitish Kumar-led NDA government wins floor test in Bihar

India: Nitish Kumar wins Bihar trust vote; 3 leaders switch sides, Opposition walks out

In a major victory for India’s ruling party BJP-led NDA alliance, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar won the trust vote in the state assembly with the support of 129 lawmakers. The Bihar assembly boasts 243 members and the majority mark is 122. As per media reports, at least three MLAs from the opposition RJD defected and joined the ruling side before the vote took place. Prahlad Yadav, Neelam Devi and Chetan Anand switched over to NDA, taking the tally to 129.

As the vote took place, the opposition, led by Rashtriya Janata Dal’s Tejashwi Yadav, staged a walkout.

Ahead of the crucial voting, a no-confidence motion against Speaker Awadh Bihari Choudhary was taken up and passed by the Assembly, with 125 members voting in favour of the ouster.

<h2>Nitish Kumar’s attack on RJD</h2>

Ahead of the vote, Bihar CM Kumar claimed that the opposition RJD was trying to take credit for the initiatives he had started. He also accused the Lalu Prasad-Rabri Devi governments of not doing anything for Bihar’s development during the 15 years of their rule.

Watch:&nbsp;Nitish Kumar-led new Bihar government to face floor test today

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“They say that Muslims are with them. But what did they do? So many fights happened between Hindus and Muslims during their rule. It all stopped once I came (as CM),” Nitish Kumar said in the assembly.

“When they came again, they just continued my policies and initiatives, and are now trying to take credit,” he added.

<h2>How opposition prepared for the vote?</h2>

The opposition Congress party flew its MLAs to Hyderabad last week amid concerns of “poaching” by the ruling side. On the other hand, all MLAs of RJD stayed at Tejashwi Yadav’s house.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-jsarwt="1" data-usg="AOvVaw1kUGqBYflRZ0L_RKTOlkzL" data-ved="2ahUKEwiN0M2G2qWEAxUnS2wGHScBD-cQxfQBKAB6BAgKEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/all-india-pregnant-job-service-scam-bihar-police-arrest-eight-for-luring-men-to-impregnate-women-675638" jsname="YKoRaf">All India Pregnant Job Service scam: Bihar police arrest 8 for luring men to impregnate women</a>

The BJP also took steps to ensure none of its MLAs gets poached and said all of its lawmakers were at a hotel in Patna city. The JD(U) of Nitish Kumar also got 40 of its MLAs to stay at another hotel in the state capital.

Monday’s floor test came two weeks after Nitish broke allegiance with the Mahagathbandhan (Grand Alliance) — a JD(U), RJD and Congress alliance — and moved to the NDA bloc.

(With inputs from agencies)

In a major victory for India’s ruling party BJP-led NDA alliance, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar won the trust vote in the state assembly with the support of 129 lawmakers.

In a major victory for India’s ruling party BJP-led NDA alliance, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar won the trust vote in the state assembly with the support of 129 lawmakers. The Bihar assembly boasts 243 members and the majority mark is 122. As per media reports, at least three MLAs from the opposition RJD defected and joined the ruling side before the vote took place. Prahlad Yadav, Neelam Devi and Chetan Anand switched over to NDA, taking the tally to 129. As the vote took place, the opposition, led by Rashtriya Janata Dal’s Tejashwi Yadav, staged a walkout. Ahead of the crucial voting, a no-confidence motion against Speaker Awadh Bihari Choudhary was taken up and passed by the Assembly, with 125 members voting in favour of the ouster. Nitish Kumar’s attack on RJD Ahead of the vote, Bihar CM Kumar claimed that the opposition RJD was trying to take credit for the initiatives he had started. He also accused the Lalu Prasad-Rabri Devi governments of not doing anything for Bihar’s development during the 15 years of their rule. Watch: Nitish Kumar-led new Bihar government to face floor test today × “They say that Muslims are with them. But what did they do? So many fights happened between Hindus and Muslims during their rule. It all stopped once I came (as CM),” Nitish Kumar said in the assembly. “When they came again, they just continued my policies and initiatives, and are now trying to take credit,” he added. How opposition prepared for the vote? The opposition Congress party flew its MLAs to Hyderabad last week amid concerns of “poaching” by the ruling side. On the other hand, all MLAs of RJD stayed at Tejashwi Yadav’s house. Also read: All India Pregnant Job Service scam: Bihar police arrest 8 for luring men to impregnate women The BJP also took steps to ensure none of its MLAs gets poached and said all of its lawmakers were at a hotel in Patna city. The JD(U) of Nitish Kumar also got 40 of its MLAs to stay at another hotel in the state capital. Monday’s floor test came two weeks after Nitish broke allegiance with the Mahagathbandhan (Grand Alliance) — a JD(U), RJD and Congress alliance — and moved to the NDA bloc. (With inputs from agencies)

India: Bihar CM Nitish Kumar wins trust vote in a major setback for opposition INDIA bloc

The floor test will take place on February 12 in the Bihar Assembly. Ahead of the trust vote, Nitish Kumar's party JD(U) has issued a three-line whip to all of its MLAs to be present and vote for the alliance. CM Nitish led NDA bloc is expected to prove majority in the floor test tomorrow. Watch to know more!

India: Bihar's Nitish Kumar to face floor test tomorrow, JD(U) issues whip to MLAs

A few weeks after returning to the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) camp, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is set to face the floor test in the state Assembly today (Monday). This is the final hurdle for the renewed Nitish Kumar-BJP alliance government in the state. Ahead of the trust vote, Nitish Kumar's party JD(U) has issued a three-line whip to all of its MLAs to be present and vote for the alliance. CM Nitish led NDA bloc is expected to prove majority in the floor test tomorrow. Watch to know more!

India: Bihar Floor Test | How do the numbers stack up for BJP-JDU?

Nitish Kumar-led Janata Dal United (JD(U)) &nbsp;expressed confidence over its party supremo winning the trust vote during the significant floor test which is due to be held on Monday (Feb&nbsp;12).

This comes two weeks after Kumar ditched JDU's alliance with Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and formed a new government with Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

The JD(U) chief, on Jan 28, took oath as chief minister of the east Indian state of Bihar for the record ninth time, cutting ties with the combined opposition's INDIA alliance.

JD(U) national secretary Rajiv Ranjan Prasad said, "Under the leadership of CM Nitish Kumar, we will get the majority and the government will complete its tenure."

<h2>Security heightened outside Tejashwi Yadav's Patna residence ahead of floor test</h2>

Security was heightened outside the residence of Tejashwi Yadav, the Leader of the Opposition in the Bihar Assembly, on Sunday (Feb 11).

The Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) claimed that the police personnel "wanted to enter (Tejashwi's) residence on any pretext and orchestrate untoward incidents against party MLAs".

"Nitish Kumar has sent thousands of police and surrounded Tejashwi ji's residence from all sides. They want to enter the residence on any pretext and do untoward incidents with the MLAs," read a post on the official X handle of RJD.

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नीतीश कुमार ने सरकार जाने के डर से हजारों की संख्या में पुलिस भेज तेजस्वी जी के आवास को चारों तरफ़ से घेर लिया है। ये किसी भी तरह से किसी भी बहाने आवास के अंदर घुस कर विधायकों के साथ अप्रिय घटना करना चाहते है। बिहार की जनता नीतीश कुमार और पुलिस के कुकर्म देख रही है। 
 
याद रहे हम…
— Rashtriya Janata Dal (@RJDforIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/RJDforIndia/status/1756766507629985974?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 11, 2024</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

The party stated that it will not 'bow down' in the ongoing 'ideological struggle'.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-haryana-government-converts-two-stadiums-into-makeshift-prisons-ahead-of-farmers-march-689356">Haryana govt converts stadiums into makeshift prisons ahead of farmers' march</a>

"The people of Bihar are watching the misdeeds of Nitish Kumar and the police. Remember, we are not among those who fear and bow down. This is a struggle of ideology and we will fight it and win because the justice-loving people of Bihar will oppose this police repression. Jai Bihar! Jai Hind," the party added.

On the police deployment outside Tejashwi's residence, RJD spokesperson Shakti Singh Yadav told news agency ANI,&nbsp;"This has never happened (earlier) in any state in independent India. It's a legislative meeting (underway at Tejashwi's residence). Agar BJP kare (meeting) to 'raasleela' agar RJD kare toh 'character dheela (if BJP holds a similar meeting it is deemed fine, but when the RJD goes into a huddle, they are frowned upon)."

<h2>'Police doing its job', says BJP&nbsp;</h2>

Reacting to RJD's claims, BJP leader Shahnawaz Hussain said the police were merely doing their job.

"If you (Tejashwi Yadav) kidnap the MLAs and any MLA's relative file a complaint, the police will surely come. If you (Tejashwi Yadav) keep any MLA tied up in your house, the police will surely take action. They (police) are only doing their job," Hussain said.

He further added that no MLA from his party or JD(U) was missing, stating that the Opposition was only spreading rumours.

"RJD and Congress are only spreading confusion. The JD(U) and the BJP will together prove majority on the Assembly floor. No one (MLAs) is out of reach and everyone is in touch with us. They are spreading canards. All NDA MLAs are together. They should stop worrying about our MLAs and focus on their missing legislators," the BJP leader added.

(With inputs from agencies)

Nitish Kumar-led Janata Dal United (JD(U)) expressed confidence over its party supremo winning the trust vote during the significant floor test which is due to be held on Monday (Feb 12).

Nitish Kumar-led Janata Dal United (JD(U)) expressed confidence over its party supremo winning the trust vote during the significant floor test which is due to be held on Monday (Feb 12). This comes two weeks after Kumar ditched JDU's alliance with Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and formed a new government with Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The JD(U) chief, on Jan 28, took oath as chief minister of the east Indian state of Bihar for the record ninth time, cutting ties with the combined opposition's INDIA alliance. JD(U) national secretary Rajiv Ranjan Prasad said, "Under the leadership of CM Nitish Kumar, we will get the majority and the government will complete its tenure." Security heightened outside Tejashwi Yadav's Patna residence ahead of floor test Security was heightened outside the residence of Tejashwi Yadav, the Leader of the Opposition in the Bihar Assembly, on Sunday (Feb 11). The Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) claimed that the police personnel "wanted to enter (Tejashwi's) residence on any pretext and orchestrate untoward incidents against party MLAs". "Nitish Kumar has sent thousands of police and surrounded Tejashwi ji's residence from all sides. They want to enter the residence on any pretext and do untoward incidents with the MLAs," read a post on the official X handle of RJD. नीतीश कुमार ने सरकार जाने के डर से हजारों की संख्या में पुलिस भेज तेजस्वी जी के आवास को चारों तरफ़ से घेर लिया है। ये किसी भी तरह से किसी भी बहाने आवास के अंदर घुस कर विधायकों के साथ अप्रिय घटना करना चाहते है। बिहार की जनता नीतीश कुमार और पुलिस के कुकर्म देख रही है। याद रहे हम… — Rashtriya Janata Dal (@RJDforIndia) February 11, 2024 × The party stated that it will not 'bow down' in the ongoing 'ideological struggle'. Also read: Haryana govt converts stadiums into makeshift prisons ahead of farmers' march "The people of Bihar are watching the misdeeds of Nitish Kumar and the police. Remember, we are not among those who fear and bow down. This is a struggle of ideology and we will fight it and win because the justice-loving people of Bihar will oppose this police repression. Jai Bihar! Jai Hind," the party added. On the police deployment outside Tejashwi's residence, RJD spokesperson Shakti Singh Yadav told news agency ANI, "This has never happened (earlier) in any state in independent India. It's a legislative meeting (underway at Tejashwi's residence). Agar BJP kare (meeting) to 'raasleela' agar RJD kare toh 'character dheela (if BJP holds a similar meeting it is deemed fine, but when the RJD goes into a huddle, they are frowned upon)." 'Police doing its job', says BJP Reacting to RJD's claims, BJP leader Shahnawaz Hussain said the police were merely doing their job. "If you (Tejashwi Yadav) kidnap the MLAs and any MLA's relative file a complaint, the police will surely come. If you (Tejashwi Yadav) keep any MLA tied up in your house, the police will surely take action. They (police) are only doing their job," Hussain said. He further added that no MLA from his party or JD(U) was missing, stating that the Opposition was only spreading rumours. "RJD and Congress are only spreading confusion. The JD(U) and the BJP will together prove majority on the Assembly floor. No one (MLAs) is out of reach and everyone is in touch with us. They are spreading canards. All NDA MLAs are together. They should stop worrying about our MLAs and focus on their missing legislators," the BJP leader added. (With inputs from agencies)

India: Nitish Kumar's JD(U) expresses confidence in winning trust vote ahead of crucial floor test

A little over a fortnight after taking oath as the chief minister&nbsp;of the eastern state of Bihar for a record ninth time, this time again in alliance with the BJP, Janata Dal United chief Nitish Kumar&nbsp;will be seeking a trust vote in the state assembly on Monday (Feb 12). Ahead of the trust vote, JDU has issued a three-line whip to all of its MLAs to be present and vote for the alliance.&nbsp;

JDU's chief whip Shravan Kumar said that those defying the whip "will lose their membership" even as he maintained that it was a "routine exercise that takes place ahead of every assembly session".

Apart from JDU, former Bihar chief minister and Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM) chief, Jitan Ram Manjhi has also issued a whip to the four MLAs of his party, instructing them to vote in favour of the NDA.&nbsp;

While the ruling party covers its bases, legislators of the opposition 'Mahagathbandhan' (Mega-alliance) started arriving at&nbsp;Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav's residence in Patna on Saturday (Feb 10).&nbsp;

After the meeting, some of the legislators were prevented from returning home. According to experts, RJD is wary of some MLAs ditching the party and joining NDA. Keeping them locked till the voting is a way to ensure the opposition is not further weakened.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-bihars-nitish-kumar-teams-up-with-bjp-jdu-exit-threatens-india-alliance-684623" target="_blank">Watch | India: Bihar's Nitish Kumar teams up with BJP | JDU exit threatens 'I.N.D.I.A' alliance</a>

<iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" data-gtm-yt-inspected-20="true" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-bihars-nitish-kumar-teams-up-with-bjp-jdu-exit-threatens-india-alliance-684623/embed" width="560"></iframe>

<h2>Nitish's return and INDIA bloc's doom&nbsp;</h2>

Nitish returning to the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) fold is not a new phenomenon and certainly not the first time the JP movement leader has taken a U-turn on his political allegiances.&nbsp;

In 2013, when Narendra Modi was announced as the BJP's PM candidate, an angry Kumar left the alliance, only to return in 2017 before breaking up again in 2022. His return this time around, however, has far-reaching consequences.&nbsp;

After Nitish switched allegiances, the fate of the INDIA bloc has been sealed. The opposition alliance was the last-ditch effort by the legacy parties to stop the BJP juggernaut.&nbsp;Bihar with&nbsp;40 Lok Sabha seats was the only state in the Hindi heartland where the INDIA bloc had its party in power.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bihar-assembly-in-numbers-nda-now-backed-by-127-mlas-as-mahagathbandhan-collapses-684576" target="_blank">Also read | Bihar Assembly in numbers: NDA now backed by 127 MLAs as ‘Mahagathbandhan’ collapses</a>&nbsp;

However, with Nitish gone, there is a great probability that the BJP will sweep the region and further add to its riches.&nbsp;The INDIA alliance, cobbled together after much trouble in a bid to keep the BJP-led NDA at bay, is falling flat at the first hurdle of 'seat sharing', effectively depicting&nbsp;that it was set up for failure from the beginning.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

A little over a fortnight after taking oath as the chief minister of the eastern state of Bihar for a record ninth time, this time again in alliance with the BJP, Janata Dal United chief Nitish Kumar will be seeking a trust vote in the state assembly on Monday (Feb 12).

A little over a fortnight after taking oath as the chief minister of the eastern state of Bihar for a record ninth time, this time again in alliance with the BJP, Janata Dal United chief Nitish Kumar will be seeking a trust vote in the state assembly on Monday (Feb 12). Ahead of the trust vote, JDU has issued a three-line whip to all of its MLAs to be present and vote for the alliance. JDU's chief whip Shravan Kumar said that those defying the whip "will lose their membership" even as he maintained that it was a "routine exercise that takes place ahead of every assembly session". Apart from JDU, former Bihar chief minister and Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM) chief, Jitan Ram Manjhi has also issued a whip to the four MLAs of his party, instructing them to vote in favour of the NDA. While the ruling party covers its bases, legislators of the opposition 'Mahagathbandhan' (Mega-alliance) started arriving at Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav's residence in Patna on Saturday (Feb 10). After the meeting, some of the legislators were prevented from returning home. According to experts, RJD is wary of some MLAs ditching the party and joining NDA. Keeping them locked till the voting is a way to ensure the opposition is not further weakened. Watch | India: Bihar's Nitish Kumar teams up with BJP | JDU exit threatens 'I.N.D.I.A' alliance Nitish's return and INDIA bloc's doom Nitish returning to the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) fold is not a new phenomenon and certainly not the first time the JP movement leader has taken a U-turn on his political allegiances. In 2013, when Narendra Modi was announced as the BJP's PM candidate, an angry Kumar left the alliance, only to return in 2017 before breaking up again in 2022. His return this time around, however, has far-reaching consequences. After Nitish switched allegiances, the fate of the INDIA bloc has been sealed. The opposition alliance was the last-ditch effort by the legacy parties to stop the BJP juggernaut. Bihar with 40 Lok Sabha seats was the only state in the Hindi heartland where the INDIA bloc had its party in power. Also read | Bihar Assembly in numbers: NDA now backed by 127 MLAs as ‘Mahagathbandhan’ collapses However, with Nitish gone, there is a great probability that the BJP will sweep the region and further add to its riches. The INDIA alliance, cobbled together after much trouble in a bid to keep the BJP-led NDA at bay, is falling flat at the first hurdle of 'seat sharing', effectively depicting that it was set up for failure from the beginning. (With inputs from agencies)

India: Ahead of Bihar floor test, JD (U) issues whip to MLAs, RJD locks up its legislators

India: Bihar CM Nitish Kumar to face floor test tomorrow

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Monday in a veiled attack on Bihar Chief Minister Kumar stated that the latter walked out of the INDIA bloc in the wake of the central probe agencies serving notice to opposition leaders. Continuing his attack, Kharge said, "If such cowardly people remain (in politics), how will the constitution and democracy survive?

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge said this while addressing the Workers' Convention in Bhubaneshwar, Odisha.

"They are giving (ED) notice to each and everyone, to scare them, to threaten them; if they do not leave their friendship, then we will see, out of fear, that someone is leaving their friendship, someone is leaving their party, someone is leaving their alliance. If such cowardly people remain, then will this country survive, will this constitution survive, and will this democracy survive? That is why this is your last chance to give your vote; after this, there will be no voting," Kharge said.

Kharge went ahead to warn the people of the country that this year will be the last opportunity for them to save democracy.

The Congress chief claimed that PM Modi will declare a dictatorship after this year's general elections.

"If Modi comes to power after the Lok Sabha polls, there will be dictatorship, no democracy and no elections," he said.

He further asserted that the 2024 general elections will be the last chance for the people of the country to vote.

Earlier on Sunday, the Congress chief launched a scathing attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party, asserting that the BJP made every effort to stop the 'Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra' in Assam,&nbsp;adding that "we are not afraid of them".

Addressing the Workers Convention in Dehradun, Uttarakhand, Kharge said that Rahul Gandhi had taken out 'Bharat Jodo Yatra' from Kanyakumari to Kashmir, but such an incident did not happen anywhere, as has happened in BJP-ruled Assam.

"Ever since our 'Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra' started, the BJP has made every effort to stop and scare it. 'Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra' was stopped in Assam; stones were thrown at vehicles; and posters were torn. But we are not afraid," Kharge said, addressing the Workers Convention in Dehradun, Uttarakhand.

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Monday in a veiled attack on Bihar Chief Minister Kumar stated that the latter walked out of the INDIA bloc in the wake of the central probe agencies serving notice to opposition leaders.

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Monday in a veiled attack on Bihar Chief Minister Kumar stated that the latter walked out of the INDIA bloc in the wake of the central probe agencies serving notice to opposition leaders. Continuing his attack, Kharge said, "If such cowardly people remain (in politics), how will the constitution and democracy survive? Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge said this while addressing the Workers' Convention in Bhubaneshwar, Odisha. "They are giving (ED) notice to each and everyone, to scare them, to threaten them; if they do not leave their friendship, then we will see, out of fear, that someone is leaving their friendship, someone is leaving their party, someone is leaving their alliance. If such cowardly people remain, then will this country survive, will this constitution survive, and will this democracy survive? That is why this is your last chance to give your vote; after this, there will be no voting," Kharge said. Kharge went ahead to warn the people of the country that this year will be the last opportunity for them to save democracy. The Congress chief claimed that PM Modi will declare a dictatorship after this year's general elections. "If Modi comes to power after the Lok Sabha polls, there will be dictatorship, no democracy and no elections," he said. He further asserted that the 2024 general elections will be the last chance for the people of the country to vote. Earlier on Sunday, the Congress chief launched a scathing attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party, asserting that the BJP made every effort to stop the 'Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra' in Assam, adding that "we are not afraid of them". Addressing the Workers Convention in Dehradun, Uttarakhand, Kharge said that Rahul Gandhi had taken out 'Bharat Jodo Yatra' from Kanyakumari to Kashmir, but such an incident did not happen anywhere, as has happened in BJP-ruled Assam. "Ever since our 'Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra' started, the BJP has made every effort to stop and scare it. 'Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra' was stopped in Assam; stones were thrown at vehicles; and posters were torn. But we are not afraid," Kharge said, addressing the Workers Convention in Dehradun, Uttarakhand.

If Modi comes to power 'there will be dictatorship,' says Congress chief Kharge

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's party&nbsp;Janata Dal (United)&nbsp;on Friday (Jan 26), shunned&nbsp;rumours of&nbsp;return to BJP-led NDA stating&nbsp;that the party was "firmly with the I.N.D.I.A coalition".&nbsp;

However, the state JD(U) president Umesh Singh Kushwaha in his statement said that the party wanted the Congress to introspect regarding alliance partners and the sharing of seats.

"All is well in Bihar's ruling Mahagathbandhan and the media speculations are driven by some agenda," Kushwaha told reporters.

He also said, "I met the CM yesterday as well as today. It is a routine affair. There is no truth in the rumours doing the rounds. We also reject the rumours that party MLAs have been asked to rush to Patna".

He then said that Kumar and his deputy Tejashwi Yadav were " firmly with INDIA coalition".

Kushwaha, however, urged the Congress to do some introspection and said, "We want the Congress, which is our alliance partner, to do some introspection with regard to its stance towards other constituents and sharing of seats. Our leader Nitish Kumar has for long been stressing on the need for early finalisation of seat-sharing deal so that we could concentrate on Lok Sabha polls".

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/trouble-in-india-paradise-bihar-cm-nitish-kumar-may-return-to-bjp-led-nda-fold-sources-683841">Trouble in INDIA paradise? Bihar CM Nitish Kumar may return to BJP-led NDA fold: Reports</a>

<h2>Kushwaha calls reports of Kumar going back to NDA rumours</h2>

On being asked about the party's return to the NDA, the JD(U) leader said, "These are rumours spread by those with some agenda".

"Nitish Kumar is our leader in Bihar. I have no idea from where rumours of his going back to NDA have emanated," he further said.

During a press briefing, Kushwaha was also asked about Rohini Acharya's social media posts, who is the daughter of RJD - coalition partner -&nbsp;chief Lalu Prasad, where she supposedly took a jibe at Kumar.

The JD(U) leader replied, "We take no notice of that because Rohini Acharya is not an RJD office-bearer". 
Meanwhile, when asked about the delay in seat-sharing in the opposition bloc INDIA, state Congress president Akhilesh Prasad Singh asked, "why nobody asks about the BJP-led NDA? They, too are yet to sort out sharing of seats with allies".

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's party Janata Dal (United) on Friday (Jan 26), shunned rumours of return to BJP-led NDA stating that the party was "firmly with the I.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's party Janata Dal (United) on Friday (Jan 26), shunned rumours of return to BJP-led NDA stating that the party was "firmly with the I.N.D.I.A coalition". However, the state JD(U) president Umesh Singh Kushwaha in his statement said that the party wanted the Congress to introspect regarding alliance partners and the sharing of seats. "All is well in Bihar's ruling Mahagathbandhan and the media speculations are driven by some agenda," Kushwaha told reporters. He also said, "I met the CM yesterday as well as today. It is a routine affair. There is no truth in the rumours doing the rounds. We also reject the rumours that party MLAs have been asked to rush to Patna". He then said that Kumar and his deputy Tejashwi Yadav were " firmly with INDIA coalition". Kushwaha, however, urged the Congress to do some introspection and said, "We want the Congress, which is our alliance partner, to do some introspection with regard to its stance towards other constituents and sharing of seats. Our leader Nitish Kumar has for long been stressing on the need for early finalisation of seat-sharing deal so that we could concentrate on Lok Sabha polls". Also read: Trouble in INDIA paradise? Bihar CM Nitish Kumar may return to BJP-led NDA fold: Reports Kushwaha calls reports of Kumar going back to NDA rumours On being asked about the party's return to the NDA, the JD(U) leader said, "These are rumours spread by those with some agenda". "Nitish Kumar is our leader in Bihar. I have no idea from where rumours of his going back to NDA have emanated," he further said. During a press briefing, Kushwaha was also asked about Rohini Acharya's social media posts, who is the daughter of RJD - coalition partner - chief Lalu Prasad, where she supposedly took a jibe at Kumar. The JD(U) leader replied, "We take no notice of that because Rohini Acharya is not an RJD office-bearer". Meanwhile, when asked about the delay in seat-sharing in the opposition bloc INDIA, state Congress president Akhilesh Prasad Singh asked, "why nobody asks about the BJP-led NDA? They, too are yet to sort out sharing of seats with allies". (With inputs from agencies)

India: Nitish Kumar's JD (U) says 'firmly with INDIA bloc, want Congress to do introspection'

Janata Dal-United&nbsp;leader Nitish Kumar took oath as chief minister of the east Indian state of Bihar on Sunday (Jan 28) for the record ninth time at Raj Bhawan in Patna after cutting ties with the combined opposition's INDIA alliance.

Samrat Chaudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha, both from Bharatiya Janata Part (BJP), took the oath as deputy chief ministers.

After days of speculation, Kumar resigned as the chief minister of Bihar on Sunday (Jan 28). The resignation came within 18 months of the JD(U) leader ditching the BJP and going with RJD.&nbsp;

Hours later, he took the oath as Bihar CM for the ninth time and formed a new state government with BJP's support.

<h2>‘We will stay together,’&nbsp;says Kumar in his first response after taking oath</h2>

The Bihar chief minister, after taking the oath, affirmed, "We are going to stay together now."

"I was with them (NDA) earlier too. We went on different paths, but now we are together and will remain so. Today, eight people have taken oath as ministers, the rest will take oath soon. Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Sinha have been appointed as Deputy Chief Ministers," Nitish Kumar told reporters on Sunday.

On being asked about RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav's statement where he claimed that JDU will be finished in 2024, Kumar said that his party would work for the development and progress of the state.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bihar-politics-who-are-samrat-choudhary-and-vijay-sinha-the-two-deputy-chief-ministers-in-new-government-684594">Bihar politics: Who are Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Sinha? The two deputy chief ministers in new government</a>

"We work for the development and progress of Bihar. We will keep doing the same, nothing else. Tejashwi was not doing anything. Now I came back to where I was (NDA) and now there is no question of going anywhere else,"&nbsp;he added.

<h2>Nitish Kumar has ‘murdered’ hopes of Bihar by switching sides: Tejashwi Yadav</h2>

In his first reaction to ally Nitish Kumar's exit from 'INDIA' alliance, the outgoing deputy CM of the state Tejashwi Yadav accused Kumar of 'murdering' the hopes of the people by switching sides.

RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, son of party patriarch Lalu Yadav, told ANI: "Why should we not take credit for the work we have done?... The CM who used to say that it is impossible to give jobs, we gave jobs and showed that it is possible. We brought new policies in tourism, IT, and sports. The work that was done in 17 months could not be done in 17 years (of BJP-JDU rule). We did historic work in the 17 months."

He also hinted at more political developments in the state ahead of the General Elections in 2024 and said that 'the game is yet to begin'.

Describing Nitish Kumar as a 'tired CM', Yadav said, "What I say, I do...I can give you in writing that the JDU party will be finished in 2024. The public is with us..."

"I want to thank the BJP that it got ready to induct his party (JDU) in their alliance," he added.

<h2>'The situation was not good': Nitish Kumar on breaking ties with RJD</h2>

"I have resigned as the CM today and have asked the Governor to put an end to this government. Party leaders were giving me advice. I heard what they said and have resigned. The situation was not good. So, we have broken ties," Nitish Kumar told reporters outside the Raj Bhavan.

Nitish Kumar has managed to retain his chief ministerial designation despite frequent flip-flops.

(With inputs from agencies)

Janata Dal-United leader Nitish Kumar took oath as chief minister of the east Indian state of Bihar on Sunday (Jan 28) for the record ninth time at Raj Bhawan in Patna after cutting ties with the combined opposition's INDIA alliance.

Janata Dal-United leader Nitish Kumar took oath as chief minister of the east Indian state of Bihar on Sunday (Jan 28) for the record ninth time at Raj Bhawan in Patna after cutting ties with the combined opposition's INDIA alliance. Samrat Chaudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha, both from Bharatiya Janata Part (BJP), took the oath as deputy chief ministers. After days of speculation, Kumar resigned as the chief minister of Bihar on Sunday (Jan 28). The resignation came within 18 months of the JD(U) leader ditching the BJP and going with RJD. Hours later, he took the oath as Bihar CM for the ninth time and formed a new state government with BJP's support. ‘We will stay together,’ says Kumar in his first response after taking oath The Bihar chief minister, after taking the oath, affirmed, "We are going to stay together now." "I was with them (NDA) earlier too. We went on different paths, but now we are together and will remain so. Today, eight people have taken oath as ministers, the rest will take oath soon. Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Sinha have been appointed as Deputy Chief Ministers," Nitish Kumar told reporters on Sunday. On being asked about RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav's statement where he claimed that JDU will be finished in 2024, Kumar said that his party would work for the development and progress of the state. Also read: Bihar politics: Who are Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Sinha? The two deputy chief ministers in new government "We work for the development and progress of Bihar. We will keep doing the same, nothing else. Tejashwi was not doing anything. Now I came back to where I was (NDA) and now there is no question of going anywhere else," he added. Nitish Kumar has ‘murdered’ hopes of Bihar by switching sides: Tejashwi Yadav In his first reaction to ally Nitish Kumar's exit from 'INDIA' alliance, the outgoing deputy CM of the state Tejashwi Yadav accused Kumar of 'murdering' the hopes of the people by switching sides. RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, son of party patriarch Lalu Yadav, told ANI: "Why should we not take credit for the work we have done?... The CM who used to say that it is impossible to give jobs, we gave jobs and showed that it is possible. We brought new policies in tourism, IT, and sports. The work that was done in 17 months could not be done in 17 years (of BJP-JDU rule). We did historic work in the 17 months." He also hinted at more political developments in the state ahead of the General Elections in 2024 and said that 'the game is yet to begin'. Describing Nitish Kumar as a 'tired CM', Yadav said, "What I say, I do...I can give you in writing that the JDU party will be finished in 2024. The public is with us..." "I want to thank the BJP that it got ready to induct his party (JDU) in their alliance," he added. 'The situation was not good': Nitish Kumar on breaking ties with RJD "I have resigned as the CM today and have asked the Governor to put an end to this government. Party leaders were giving me advice. I heard what they said and have resigned. The situation was not good. So, we have broken ties," Nitish Kumar told reporters outside the Raj Bhavan. Nitish Kumar has managed to retain his chief ministerial designation despite frequent flip-flops. (With inputs from agencies)

Bihar politics: Nitish Kumar takes oath as chief minister, with 2 deputy CMs from BJP

It was a busy Sunday in the newsrooms all over the world. In India's Bihar, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar changed sides again to re-enter the National Democratic Alliance led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party, cementing his reputation as an eternal turncoat of Indian politics. In Paris, Da Vinci's Mona Lisa came short of tasting soup thrown by activists amid farmer protests in France. Dramatic visuals also emerged from the South Asian archipelago of Maldives where lawmakers fought in a scuffle to prevent cabinet designations of certain ministers in President Muizzu's government.&nbsp;

Click here to read more:

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bihar-political-crisis-live-cm-nitish-seeks-time-to-meet-governor-today-684394">Bihar's tryst with Nitish Kumar resumes alongside 2 deputy CMs from BJP</a>

<img alt="Nitish back in NDA fold" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="bbeae485-70c8-4fdc-84a4-ca5de17c0c11" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/India_.png" />

Janata Dal (United) President Nitish Kumar quit the Mahagathbandhan (Grand Alliance) in Bihar on Sunday (Jan 28) and submitted his resignation as chief minister to Governor Rajendra Arlekar at the Raj Bhavan.

Hours later, Nitish Kumar took oath as Bihar chief minister, this time along with two deputy chief ministers from the BJP, its new alliance partner in the state.&nbsp;

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<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/01/28/408557-coup-hit-burkina-faso-mali-and-niger-quit-ecowas-regional-block-1.png?imwidth=500" />

Iran on Sunday (Jan 28)&nbsp;announced the successful launch of three satellites into space by utilising a rocket with a history of multiple failures.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/video-maldives-lawmakers-fight-out-dramatic-scuffle-ahead-of-key-parliamentary-vote-684550">Maldives: Lawmakers indulge in scuffle ahead of key parliamentary vote</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/01/28/408535-untitled-design-2024-01-28t174530823.png?imwidth=500" />

Dramatic visuals emerged from Maldives parliament on Sunday (Jan 28) after the ruling alliance's lawmakers disrupted parliamentary proceedings ahead of a key vote crucial for the functioning of President Muizzu's government.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-one-killed-in-armed-attack-on-italian-church-in-istanbul-684511">Turkey: One killed in armed attack on Italian church in Istanbul</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/01/28/408532-succession-2024-01-28t172726036.jpg?imwidth=500" />

Armed assailants launched an attack on an Italian church in Istanbul claiming the life of one person, said Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/protesters-splash-soup-on-glass-protected-mona-lisa-in-paris-684508">Protesters splash soup at iconic Mona Lisa painting at Louvre Museum in Paris</a>

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In a shocking development, two activists splashed soup on the bullet-proof glass safeguarding Leonardo da Vinci's iconic painting "Mona Lisa" in Paris on Sunday (Jan 28).

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The military regimes in Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger announced Sunday their immediate withdrawal from the West African bloc ECOWAS.

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A fourth prime ministerial change of guard in London's Downing Street is being plotted by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's Conservative Party colleagues, whom the Indian-origin politician has outfoxed in recent years to be the prime minister in the first place, a report in The Times newspaper indicated.&nbsp;

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Italian Jannik Sinner produced a monumental comeback in the Australian Open final on Sunday (Jan 28) after he beat Russian Daniil Medvedev at the Rod Laver Arena. Sinner, playing against the former US Open champion came back from two sets down to win 3-6, 3-6, 6-4, 6-4, 6-3 and clinch his maiden Grand Slam title. The defeat for Medvedev was his third at the Australian Open having also lost in the 2021 and 2022 final to Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal respectively. The win against Medvedev also means that only for the second time in 19 years there has been a winner other than Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer.

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It was a chaotic Sunday (Jan 28) in prospect for Test cricket as England and West Indies secured famous victories on either side of the globe to shake the World Test Championship (WTC) table upside-down. While India suffered a historic defeat despite leading by 190 runs in the first innings, West Indies had their man of the moment Shamar Joseph to thank after he helped West Indies beat Australia for the first time since 1997 in their own backyard.

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Mumbai showered love on American singer Nick Jonas, chanting "jiju" (brother-in-law) during his debut performance in India with the Jonas Brothers at the Lollapalooza festival. Priyanka Chopra, Nick's wife, took to Instagram to share her gratitude.

It was a busy Sunday in the newsrooms all over the world. In India's Bihar, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar changed sides again to re-enter the National Democratic Alliance led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party, cementing his reputation as an eternal turncoat of Indian politics.

It was a busy Sunday in the newsrooms all over the world. In India's Bihar, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar changed sides again to re-enter the National Democratic Alliance led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party, cementing his reputation as an eternal turncoat of Indian politics. In Paris, Da Vinci's Mona Lisa came short of tasting soup thrown by activists amid farmer protests in France. Dramatic visuals also emerged from the South Asian archipelago of Maldives where lawmakers fought in a scuffle to prevent cabinet designations of certain ministers in President Muizzu's government. Click here to read more: Bihar's tryst with Nitish Kumar resumes alongside 2 deputy CMs from BJP Janata Dal (United) President Nitish Kumar quit the Mahagathbandhan (Grand Alliance) in Bihar on Sunday (Jan 28) and submitted his resignation as chief minister to Governor Rajendra Arlekar at the Raj Bhavan. Hours later, Nitish Kumar took oath as Bihar chief minister, this time along with two deputy chief ministers from the BJP, its new alliance partner in the state. Iran launches three satellites into space as tensions grip West Asia Iran on Sunday (Jan 28) announced the successful launch of three satellites into space by utilising a rocket with a history of multiple failures. Maldives: Lawmakers indulge in scuffle ahead of key parliamentary vote Dramatic visuals emerged from Maldives parliament on Sunday (Jan 28) after the ruling alliance's lawmakers disrupted parliamentary proceedings ahead of a key vote crucial for the functioning of President Muizzu's government. Turkey: One killed in armed attack on Italian church in Istanbul Armed assailants launched an attack on an Italian church in Istanbul claiming the life of one person, said Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya. Protesters splash soup at iconic Mona Lisa painting at Louvre Museum in Paris In a shocking development, two activists splashed soup on the bullet-proof glass safeguarding Leonardo da Vinci's iconic painting "Mona Lisa" in Paris on Sunday (Jan 28). Coup hit Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger quit ECOWAS regional block The military regimes in Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger announced Sunday their immediate withdrawal from the West African bloc ECOWAS. Danger looms on Rishi Sunak as crafty Tories plot to throw him out of Downing Street: Report A fourth prime ministerial change of guard in London's Downing Street is being plotted by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's Conservative Party colleagues, whom the Indian-origin politician has outfoxed in recent years to be the prime minister in the first place, a report in The Times newspaper indicated. Australian Open: Jannik Sinner makes thrilling comeback, stuns Medvedev to win maiden Grand Slam title Italian Jannik Sinner produced a monumental comeback in the Australian Open final on Sunday (Jan 28) after he beat Russian Daniil Medvedev at the Rod Laver Arena. Sinner, playing against the former US Open champion came back from two sets down to win 3-6, 3-6, 6-4, 6-4, 6-3 and clinch his maiden Grand Slam title. The defeat for Medvedev was his third at the Australian Open having also lost in the 2021 and 2022 final to Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal respectively. The win against Medvedev also means that only for the second time in 19 years there has been a winner other than Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer. WTC Standings: India slip to fifth spot after catastrophic defeat to England; Aussies stay top despite WI loss It was a chaotic Sunday (Jan 28) in prospect for Test cricket as England and West Indies secured famous victories on either side of the globe to shake the World Test Championship (WTC) table upside-down. While India suffered a historic defeat despite leading by 190 runs in the first innings, West Indies had their man of the moment Shamar Joseph to thank after he helped West Indies beat Australia for the first time since 1997 in their own backyard. Priyanka Chopra gets emotional as crowd chants ‘jiju’ during Nick Jonas’ Lollapalooza performance Mumbai showered love on American singer Nick Jonas, chanting "jiju" (brother-in-law) during his debut performance in India with the Jonas Brothers at the Lollapalooza festival. Priyanka Chopra, Nick's wife, took to Instagram to share her gratitude.

Top 10 world news: Nitish back with NDA in Bihar; activists splash soup on Mona Lisa painting, and more

Janata Dal United (JDU) chief Nitish Kumar took oath as the chief minister of the eastern state of Bihar for the ninth time on Sunday (Jan 28), hours after tendering his resignation after dumping the Mahagathbandhan (grand alliance) formed about 18 months ago, while returning to the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) thereby inflicting a crushing blow to the Opposition's INDIA alliance that he had himself actively shaped.

Janata Dal United (JDU) chief Nitish Kumar took oath as the chief minister of the eastern state of Bihar for the ninth time on Sunday (Jan 28), hours after tendering his resignation after dumping the Mahagathbandhan (grand alliance) formed about 18 months ago, while returning to the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) thereby inflicting a crushing blow to the Opposition's INDIA alliance that he had himself actively shaped. While Nitish sat in the chair at the governor's house and signed the official document after taking the oath, he seemingly, in a metaphoric way, also signed the death warrant of the INDIA bloc. Upon being quizzed by the reporters about why he was leaving the coalition, Nitish, before the ceremony, reasoned that it was due to the lethargy shown by the coalition parties and their leaders. "You all know how I came to this alliance and also how I worked to bring together so many parties. But of late, things were not working well. It was not going down well with those in my party as well," said Nitish. "Nobody was doing anything after the alliance was formed. INDIA bloc failed my expectations," he added. While Nitish did not give the outright reason, the political corridors are rife with speculations that it all came down to the seat-sharing formula in the state. Nitish was not willing to give up on his party's seats which eventually became the undoing of the coalition. Notably, Nitish returning to the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) fold is not a new phenomenon and certainly not the first time the JP movement leader has taken a U-turn on his political allegiances. In 2013, before Narendra Modi was announced as the PM candidate, an angry Kumar left the alliance, only to return in 2017 before breaking up again in 2022. Watch | India: Bihar's Nitish Kumar teams up with BJP | JDU exit threatens 'I.N.D.I.A' alliance × INDIA bloc shaking Bihar has 40 Lok Sabha seats and it was the only state in the Hindi heartland where the INDIA bloc had its party in power. However, with Nitish gone, there is a great probability that the Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP) will sweep the region and further add to its riches. Last week, the Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress (TMC), a key player in the national alliance against the BJP, declared its intent to go solo in Bengal and fight on all the 42 Lok Sabha seats alone in the 2024 elections. "I had no discussions with the Congress. I have always said that in Bengal, we will fight alone. I gave them (the Congress) many proposals... but they rejected them. I am not concerned about what will be done in the (rest of the) country... but we are a secular party and, in Bengal, we alone will defeat BJP." Also read | Can TMC's solo act in Bengal shake INDIA alliance? Mamata says will fight on all 42 seats 'alone' Seat-sharing talks have also hit a roadblock in Punjab, where Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has said the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) is gearing up for a solo fight. With the bloc divided in north and east India, the result is all but a certainty for the saffron party. BJP as an alternative and Congress' credibility Ever since the INDIA bloc was engineered, BJP has pushed the narrative that a coalition of different political ideologies will only lead to squabbling amongst partners if it comes to power. And it appears that BJP has been proven right. With the election canvassing trail set to kick in full motion in the coming weeks, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to hit this nerve repeatedly. BJP claims that it provides stability and the pre-requisite conditions necessary for the country to move ahead in the development race. Also read | Bihar Assembly in numbers: NDA now backed by 127 MLAs as ‘Mahagathbandhan’ collapses Additionally, Congress' credibility had taken another hit with this experiment. The fact that the oldest party in the country could not keep regional parties together, at least until the election, suggests that the top brass was caught napping yet again. Shortly after severing the ties, JDU leader KC Tyagi launched a scathing attack on Congress, accusing the dynastic party of attempting to hijack the INDIA bloc. "Congress is fighting for its survival. And it now wants to finish off regional forces," Tyagi said, adding that Congress continuously pushed for more seats in states dominated by other Opposition parties. INDIA bloc - a failure from start? The alliance, cobbled together after much trouble in a bid to keep the BJP-led NDA at bay, falling flat at the first hurdle of 'seat sharing', effectively depicted that the bloc was set up for failure from the beginning. Stitching a coalition that could brave the myriad faultlines of regional parties and egos of the different political vanguards was always going to be a stern challenge. However, not many could have predicted that the still-infant alliance would collapse so spectacularly, so soon. (With inputs from agencies)

Explained | India elections -  How Nitish Kumar’s betrayal spells doom for INDIA bloc

Description: 9-time chief minister of Bihar, Nitish Kumar has returned to an alliance with the bjp-led nda. The JDU's decision to walk out of the I.N.D.I.A. Bloc has created fresh trouble for the opposition alliance just ahead of general elections.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar back in NDA fold, what's next for 'India' alliance?

Janata Dal (United) President Nitish Kumar quit the Mahagathbandhan (Grand Alliance) in Bihar on Sunday (Jan 28) and submitted his resignation as chief minister to Governor Rajendra Arlekar at the Raj Bhavan. Watch to know more!

JDU Chief Nitish Kumar returns to NDA fold, Opposition I.N.D.I.A alliance in tatters

In the backdrop of the huge setback for the I.N.D.I.A. Alliance with Nitish Kumar jumping ship, India's opposition and Indian national congress leader Rahul Gandhi resumed his unity and justice march after a two-day break and there are visible signals that it is fraught with troubles. Watch to know more!

India: Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi Unity and Justice march to enter Bihar on January 29

Why Nitish Kumar's exit is a big blow for I.N.D.I.A. bloc & a huge gain for the BJP government. Janata Dal (United) President Nitish Kumar quit the Mahagathbandhan (Grand Alliance) in Bihar on Sunday (Jan 28) and submitted his resignation as chief minister to Governor Rajendra Arlekar at the Raj Bhavan.

India: JDU chief Nitish Kumar teams up with BJP | Opposition denies move could hurt I.N.D.I.A Bloc

Nitish Kumar resigned as the chief minister of Bihar today. The resignation comes after days of speculation over the leader eyeing another political switch to return to an alliance with the BJP.

Bihar CM Nitish Kumar resigns, will he form a new alliance with BJP?

India: Bihar's Nitish Kumar teams up with BJP | JDU exit threatens 'I.N.D.I.A' alliance

Nitish Kumar took oath as chief minister of Bihar for the ninth time on Sunday (Jan 28), along with two deputy chief ministers from Indian PM Narendra Modi’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Bihar BJP chief Samrat Choudhary and the former leader of the opposition in Bihar assembly Vijay Sinha took oath as deputy CMs along with CM Nitish Kumar.

PM Modi took to X to congratulate the trio. "The NDA government formed in Bihar will leave no stone unturned for the development of the state and to fulfil the aspirations of its people," he wrote. Here is everything you need to know about Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Sinha.

<h2>Who is Samrat Choudhary?</h2>

By making OBC leader Samrat Choudhary as its deputy CM in Bihar, the BJP wants to change its reputation as a “pro-upper caste” party. Samrat belongs to an influential political family in Bihar and his father started off as a politician with the Congress party. Later, Samrat’s father kept switching his allegiances with Nitish Kumar’s JDU party and his opponent Lalu Yadav’s RJD party.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-jsarwt="1" data-usg="AOvVaw36GkGKTcNONcVuqoW74QFo" data-ved="2ahUKEwjT1NSCr4CEAxX0e2wGHZ01CZ8QxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bihar-assembly-in-numbers-nda-now-backed-by-127-mlas-as-mahagathbandhan-collapses-684576" jsname="YKoRaf">Bihar Assembly in numbers: NDA now backed by 127 MLAs as 'Mahagathbandhan' collapses</a>

After&nbsp;brief stints as minister and leader in both JDU and RJD, Samrat Choudhary, 54, joined BJP in 2017. BJP recognised his potential both as a fiery speaker and as a leader belonging to the prominent Koeri caste. He was made BJP’s state chief in March last year and now has been awarded with the deputy CM's post. With this, the BJP attempts to attract a large number of Luv (Kurmi) and Kush (Kushwaha) votes.

Watch:&nbsp;India: Bihar's Nitish Kumar sworn-in as Bihar CM for 9th time amid series of alliance switches

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Samrat Choudhary is known as a fierce critic of CM Nitish Kumar and now faces the challenge of burying the hatchet with the foe-turned-ally.&nbsp;

<h2>Who is Vijay Sinha?</h2>

Vijay Sinha, 55, earlier served as the Speaker of the Bihar Legislative Assembly from November 25, 2020, to August 24, 2022.

Also read:&nbsp;

He is a BJP leader and a member of Bihar Legislative Assembly since 2010 from Lakhisarai constituency. Sinha resigned as the speaker following a no-confidence motion moved by the then-ruling Mahagathbandhan alliance.

(With inputs from agencies)

Nitish Kumar took oath as chief minister of Bihar for the ninth time on Sunday (Jan 28), along with two deputy chief ministers from Indian PM Narendra Modi’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Nitish Kumar took oath as chief minister of Bihar for the ninth time on Sunday (Jan 28), along with two deputy chief ministers from Indian PM Narendra Modi’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Bihar BJP chief Samrat Choudhary and the former leader of the opposition in Bihar assembly Vijay Sinha took oath as deputy CMs along with CM Nitish Kumar. PM Modi took to X to congratulate the trio. "The NDA government formed in Bihar will leave no stone unturned for the development of the state and to fulfil the aspirations of its people," he wrote. Here is everything you need to know about Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Sinha. Who is Samrat Choudhary? By making OBC leader Samrat Choudhary as its deputy CM in Bihar, the BJP wants to change its reputation as a “pro-upper caste” party. Samrat belongs to an influential political family in Bihar and his father started off as a politician with the Congress party. Later, Samrat’s father kept switching his allegiances with Nitish Kumar’s JDU party and his opponent Lalu Yadav’s RJD party. Also read: Bihar Assembly in numbers: NDA now backed by 127 MLAs as 'Mahagathbandhan' collapses After brief stints as minister and leader in both JDU and RJD, Samrat Choudhary, 54, joined BJP in 2017. BJP recognised his potential both as a fiery speaker and as a leader belonging to the prominent Koeri caste. He was made BJP’s state chief in March last year and now has been awarded with the deputy CM's post. With this, the BJP attempts to attract a large number of Luv (Kurmi) and Kush (Kushwaha) votes. Watch: India: Bihar's Nitish Kumar sworn-in as Bihar CM for 9th time amid series of alliance switches × Samrat Choudhary is known as a fierce critic of CM Nitish Kumar and now faces the challenge of burying the hatchet with the foe-turned-ally. Who is Vijay Sinha? Vijay Sinha, 55, earlier served as the Speaker of the Bihar Legislative Assembly from November 25, 2020, to August 24, 2022. Also read: He is a BJP leader and a member of Bihar Legislative Assembly since 2010 from Lakhisarai constituency. Sinha resigned as the speaker following a no-confidence motion moved by the then-ruling Mahagathbandhan alliance. (With inputs from agencies)

Bihar politics: Who are Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Sinha? The two deputy chief ministers in new government

Chief Minister of the Indian state of Bihar, Nitish Kumar stepped down from the top post and severed ties with the Mahagathbandhan (Grand Alliance) on Sunday (Jan 28). Subsequently, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) national general secretary Vinod Tawde said a BJP-NDA government would be formed in the state in alliance with the Janata Dal (United).&nbsp;

<h2>BJP’s Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Sinha to be deputy CMs?</h2>

Earlier on Sunday, Kumar held a meeting of JD(U) leaders at his official residence in state capital Patna and announced that he had asked the governor to dissolve the government in the state.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Bihar: Opposition I.N.D.I.A alliance falls apart as Nitish Kumar switches over

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Kumar also said he would form government with the BJP at 5:00 pm (local time). Meanwhile, during the legislative party meeting, JD-U MLAs unanimously passed the proposal to form the&nbsp;government in alliance with BJP, and other NDA allies.&nbsp;

BJP’s Samrat Chaudhary has been elected as the leader of the legislative party, while&nbsp;Vijay Sinha, who was&nbsp;Leader of Opposition in the Bihar assembly,&nbsp;has been elected as the deputy leader.&nbsp;

“Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha have been elected as leader and deputy leader of the legislative party, respectively. Most certainly, they will be our deputy CMs,” BJP leader and former Bihar Deputy CM, Tarkishore Prasad told reporters, as quoted by PTI.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bihar-political-crisis-nitish-to-step-down-as-cm-form-new-govt-with-bjp-later-today-report-684422">JD(U)'s Nitish Kumar quits Grand Alliance in Bihar, will form new state govt with BJP</a>

Later, Bihar BJP spokesperson Sumit Shashank said, “Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Sinha to be the Deputy Chief Ministers of Bihar.”&nbsp;

This comes as several media reports citing officials said Choudhary and Sinha will be named as deputy CMs while Kumar will again be the chief minister.&nbsp;

<h2>Setback for opposition’s INDIA alliance</h2>

Kumar’s resignation is being seen as a major setback for the opposition&nbsp;INDIA alliance that wanted to put up a strong fight against the BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the upcoming general elections.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/trouble-in-india-paradise-bihar-cm-nitish-kumar-may-return-to-bjp-led-nda-fold-sources-683841">Trouble in INDIA paradise? Bihar CM Nitish Kumar may return to BJP-led NDA fold: Reports</a>

The resignation also comes after several media reports said Kumar was miffed with the opposition INDIA bloc, especially the Congress Party for being indecisive in the seat-sharing arrangement in other states.&nbsp;

Nitish's decision to dump the Grand Alliance came days after he was named the Janata Dal (United) national president after MP Rajiv Ranjan Singh alias Lalan Singh quit the post, ending days of speculation amid reports of a rift and the latter's alleged growing inclination towards RJD.

Bihar’s political shake-up also comes days after Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress (TMC), a key player in the national alliance against the BJP, declared its intent to go solo in the Indian state of West Bengal and fight on all the 42 Lok Sabha seats alone in the 2024 elections.&nbsp;

Similarly, the Aam Aadmi Party has announced that it plans to contest Punjab and Haryana elections alone, without any seat sharing with other opposition parties.

(With inputs from agencies)

Chief Minister of the Indian state of Bihar, Nitish Kumar stepped down from the top post and severed ties with the Mahagathbandhan (Grand Alliance) on Sunday (Jan 28).

Chief Minister of the Indian state of Bihar, Nitish Kumar stepped down from the top post and severed ties with the Mahagathbandhan (Grand Alliance) on Sunday (Jan 28). Subsequently, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) national general secretary Vinod Tawde said a BJP-NDA government would be formed in the state in alliance with the Janata Dal (United). BJP’s Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Sinha to be deputy CMs? Earlier on Sunday, Kumar held a meeting of JD(U) leaders at his official residence in state capital Patna and announced that he had asked the governor to dissolve the government in the state. WATCH | Bihar: Opposition I.N.D.I.A alliance falls apart as Nitish Kumar switches over Kumar also said he would form government with the BJP at 5:00 pm (local time). Meanwhile, during the legislative party meeting, JD-U MLAs unanimously passed the proposal to form the government in alliance with BJP, and other NDA allies. BJP’s Samrat Chaudhary has been elected as the leader of the legislative party, while Vijay Sinha, who was Leader of Opposition in the Bihar assembly, has been elected as the deputy leader. “Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha have been elected as leader and deputy leader of the legislative party, respectively. Most certainly, they will be our deputy CMs,” BJP leader and former Bihar Deputy CM, Tarkishore Prasad told reporters, as quoted by PTI. ALSO READ | JD(U)'s Nitish Kumar quits Grand Alliance in Bihar, will form new state govt with BJP Later, Bihar BJP spokesperson Sumit Shashank said, “Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Sinha to be the Deputy Chief Ministers of Bihar.” This comes as several media reports citing officials said Choudhary and Sinha will be named as deputy CMs while Kumar will again be the chief minister. Setback for opposition’s INDIA alliance Kumar’s resignation is being seen as a major setback for the opposition INDIA alliance that wanted to put up a strong fight against the BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the upcoming general elections. ALSO READ | Trouble in INDIA paradise? Bihar CM Nitish Kumar may return to BJP-led NDA fold: Reports The resignation also comes after several media reports said Kumar was miffed with the opposition INDIA bloc, especially the Congress Party for being indecisive in the seat-sharing arrangement in other states. Nitish's decision to dump the Grand Alliance came days after he was named the Janata Dal (United) national president after MP Rajiv Ranjan Singh alias Lalan Singh quit the post, ending days of speculation amid reports of a rift and the latter's alleged growing inclination towards RJD. Bihar’s political shake-up also comes days after Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress (TMC), a key player in the national alliance against the BJP, declared its intent to go solo in the Indian state of West Bengal and fight on all the 42 Lok Sabha seats alone in the 2024 elections. Similarly, the Aam Aadmi Party has announced that it plans to contest Punjab and Haryana elections alone, without any seat sharing with other opposition parties. (With inputs from agencies)

India: Nitish Kumar to form government in Bihar with BJP support after dumping Grand Alliance

Political leaders in India on Sunday (Jan 28) reacted to Janata Dal (United) President Nitish Kumar exiting the Mahagathbandhan (Grand Alliance) in Bihar and rejoining hands with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA).

Political leaders in India on Sunday (Jan 28) reacted to Janata Dal (United) President Nitish Kumar exiting the Mahagathbandhan (Grand Alliance) in Bihar and rejoining hands with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA). Kumar, the president of the JD(U), was appointed as the acting chief minister by the governor after tendering his resignation. Citing sources from Bihar BJP, news agency ANI reported that CM Kumar and two deputy CMs from the BJP are likely to take oath later on Sunday. These developments come just months before the Lok Sabha election in India. Click here to follow all updates on the political crisis in Bihar The Grand Alliance in Bihar consists of the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), the Congress, and other Left Parties. This is Kumar's fifth switch to a political alliance in a decade. During his tenure as CM, Kumar has several times switched between political alliances. Politicians react Reacting to Kumar's decision to dump the Grand Alliance, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge said he knew this would happen. "Earlier, he and we were fighting together. When I talked to Lalu Prasad Yadav and Tejashwi Yadav, they also said that Nitish is going. If he (Nitish) wanted to stay, he would have stayed but he wants to go. That's why we already knew this, but to keep the INDIA bloc intact, if we say something wrong, the wrong message will be sent," Kharge said. #WATCH | Jalpaiguri, West Bengal | Congress General Secretary in-charge Communications, Jairam Ramesh says, "It is not surprising that Nitish Kumar has resigned. He is a seasoned politician. He has been a Chief Minister for several years. But he keeps changing his political… pic.twitter.com/fRB0TTBLM8 — ANI (@ANI) January 28, 2024 × "It is not surprising that Nitish Kumar has resigned. He is a seasoned politician. He has been a chief minister for several years. But he keeps changing his political colours. He gives a tough challenge to chameleons. People of Bihar will give a befitting reply to him and to those who are making him dance from Delhi," Congress General Secretary in-charge Communications, Jairam Ramesh said. RJD leader Mrityunjay Tiwari speaking to ANI said, "What was left with him? The public is the master. It watches everything and it will demand an account for everything...". #WATCH | On INDIA alliance and Bihar political situation, BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad says, " If the main man (Nitish Kumar) behind this alliance says so, then there was no future (for INDIA alliance). There is no vacancy for the Prime Ministerial post. BJP will have a historic… pic.twitter.com/fdaCiw270B — ANI (@ANI) January 28, 2024 × "If the main man (Nitish Kumar) behind this alliance says so, then there was no future (for INDIA alliance). There is no vacancy for the Prime Ministerial post. BJP will have a historic win in Lok Sabha polls and in Bihar we will win the whole 40 seats," former Union minister and BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad told the news agency. Also read | BJP appoints state election in-charges for Lok Sabha polls Hitting out at the Congress, JD(U) leader KC Tyagi said that the grand old party wanted to steal the leadership of the INDIA alliance. "Congress kept dragging the seat sharing, we kept saying that seat sharing needs to happen immediately...INDIA lacked plans to fight against BJP," he said. ‘I was hurt, left INDIA bloc’ After submitting his resignation, Nitish Kumar said he was hurt and hence left the INDIA bloc. "The situation came to this pass as the state of affairs within the ruling alliance (Mahagathbandhan) in Bihar was not good. I sought the advice and opinions of everyone before coming to this decision. I took all opinions and suggestions to hear," Kumar told reporters Hitting out at the RJD, his earlier alliance, whose leader Tejashwi Yadav was the deputy CM, Kumar said, "The alliance was sailing through choppy waters. Though we came together on the basis of a common minimum programme and promises to people, we failed to live up to the expectations and discharge our salient duties. Eventually, we fell out and even stopped being on speaking terms." (With inputs from agencies)

‘He gives tough challenge to chameleons’: Cong, RJD react to Nitish dumping Grand Alliance in Bihar

In his&nbsp;first reaction to ally Nitish Kumar's exit from 'INDIA' alliance, and reconstitution of the Bihar government with BJP-led NDA, the outgoing&nbsp;deputy CM of the state Tejashwi Yadav accused Kumar of 'murdering' the hopes of the people by switching sides.

RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, son of party patriarch Lalu Yadav, told ANI: "Why should we not take credit for the work we have done?... The CM who used to say that it is impossible to give jobs, we gave jobs and showed that it is possible. We brought new policies in tourism, IT, and sports. The work that was done in 17 months could not be done in 17 years (of BJP-JDU rule). We did historic work in the 17 months..."

Yadav also hinted at more political developments in the state ahead of the General Elections in 2024 and said that 'the game is yet to begin'.

Describing Nitish Kumar as a 'tired CM', Yadav said, "What I say, I do...I can give you in writing that the JDU party will be finished in 2024. The public is with us..."

"I want to thank the BJP that it got ready to induct his party (JDU) in their alliance," he added.

After days of speculation, JD(U) chief Nitish Kumar resigned as the Chief Minister of Bihar on Sunday (Jan 28). The resignation came within 18 months. Hours later, Nitish took oath as Bihar CM for the ninth time and formed a new state government&nbsp;with BJP's support.

<h2>'The situation was not good': Nitish Kumar on breaking ties with RJD</h2>

"I have resigned as the CM today and have asked the Governor to put an end to this government. Party leaders were giving me advice. I heard what they said and have resigned. The situation was not good. So, we have broken ties," Nitish Kumar told reporters outside the Raj Bhavan.

Nitish Kumar has managed to retain his chief ministerial designation despite frequent flip-flops.

Also watch |&nbsp;Nitish Kumar stakes claim to form a new government in Bihar with BJP

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In the Bihar Assembly of 243, the RJD has 79 MLAs; followed by the BJP's 78; the JD(U)'s 45,&nbsp;the Congress'&nbsp;19, the CPI (M-L)'s 12, two each of the CPI(M) and CPI, the Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular)'s four seats, and the AIMIM's one, and an Independent legislator.

Nitish Kumar, after parting ways with the BJP in 2022, is credited to have united the opposition parties to jointly take on Prime Minister Modi and the BJP in the 2024 General Elections. The dynamics now stands sharply changed with Nitish back in the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance's fold.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

In his first reaction to ally Nitish Kumar's exit from 'INDIA' alliance, and reconstitution of the Bihar government with BJP-led NDA, the outgoing deputy CM of the state Tejashwi Yadav accused Kumar of 'murdering' the hopes of the people by switching sides.

In his first reaction to ally Nitish Kumar's exit from 'INDIA' alliance, and reconstitution of the Bihar government with BJP-led NDA, the outgoing deputy CM of the state Tejashwi Yadav accused Kumar of 'murdering' the hopes of the people by switching sides. RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, son of party patriarch Lalu Yadav, told ANI: "Why should we not take credit for the work we have done?... The CM who used to say that it is impossible to give jobs, we gave jobs and showed that it is possible. We brought new policies in tourism, IT, and sports. The work that was done in 17 months could not be done in 17 years (of BJP-JDU rule). We did historic work in the 17 months..." Yadav also hinted at more political developments in the state ahead of the General Elections in 2024 and said that 'the game is yet to begin'. Describing Nitish Kumar as a 'tired CM', Yadav said, "What I say, I do...I can give you in writing that the JDU party will be finished in 2024. The public is with us..." "I want to thank the BJP that it got ready to induct his party (JDU) in their alliance," he added. After days of speculation, JD(U) chief Nitish Kumar resigned as the Chief Minister of Bihar on Sunday (Jan 28). The resignation came within 18 months. Hours later, Nitish took oath as Bihar CM for the ninth time and formed a new state government with BJP's support. 'The situation was not good': Nitish Kumar on breaking ties with RJD "I have resigned as the CM today and have asked the Governor to put an end to this government. Party leaders were giving me advice. I heard what they said and have resigned. The situation was not good. So, we have broken ties," Nitish Kumar told reporters outside the Raj Bhavan. Nitish Kumar has managed to retain his chief ministerial designation despite frequent flip-flops. Also watch | Nitish Kumar stakes claim to form a new government in Bihar with BJP × In the Bihar Assembly of 243, the RJD has 79 MLAs; followed by the BJP's 78; the JD(U)'s 45, the Congress' 19, the CPI (M-L)'s 12, two each of the CPI(M) and CPI, the Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular)'s four seats, and the AIMIM's one, and an Independent legislator. Nitish Kumar, after parting ways with the BJP in 2022, is credited to have united the opposition parties to jointly take on Prime Minister Modi and the BJP in the 2024 General Elections. The dynamics now stands sharply changed with Nitish back in the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance's fold. (With inputs from agencies)

Nitish Kumar has ‘murdered’ hopes of Bihar by switching sides: Tejashwi Yadav

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