Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar quashed reports of discord within the Opposition’s India National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA), firmly stating his lack of objection to Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge’s projected candidacy as the bloc’s potential prime ministerial candidate.
Amidst speculation and media reports suggesting his discontent following the INDIA alliance meeting in New Delhi, Kumar clarified his stance, asserting that both his Janata Dal (United) or JD(U) party and the INDIA bloc remain unified, reiterating their collective commitment to contest the 2024 national elections together.
Addressing the media during an event commemorating the birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Kumar reiterated his disinterest in holding any particular post. “We are collaborating, and there’s no discontent. Whoever you choose, we’ve stated this during the meeting. I’ve proposed early completion of seat sharing, and the formula will be finalized soon,” he remarked.
Responding to reports of dissension within the JD(U), Kumar questioned the sources generating such narratives, affirming the party’s cohesion and unified front in preparations for the upcoming elections.
It’s been revealed that Congress leader Rahul Gandhi personally reached out to Kumar amid the reports, attempting to address any purported dissatisfaction. The Congress party, meanwhile, criticized certain sections of the media for propagating misleading narratives and sowing unnecessary confusion within the INDIA coalition.
Lalu Prasad Yadav, an essential ally of Kumar’s JD(U) through his Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) in Bihar, dismissed speculative reports surrounding Kumar’s dissatisfaction, emphasizing their contentment with the progress within the INDIA coalition.
During the INDIA bloc meeting, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee proposed Mallikarjun Kharge as the potential prime ministerial candidate or convenor, a move backed by Delhi’s Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray. Kumar and Yadav left the meeting early, subsequently leading to speculations and triggering discussions regarding Kumar’s sentiments.
In light of these clarifications, Kumar’s reaffirmation of unity within the JD(U) and the INDIA coalition provides a clearer perspective amidst the recent speculations, emphasizing the collective resolve towards forthcoming electoral alliances and strategies.
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