The News Freedom
Patna, January 28
Bihar’s political landscape shifted dramatically today as Nitish Kumar, in a calculated move after much political turmoil, took the oath as Chief Minister for the ninth time. In addition to it, Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha have been appointed as Deputy Chief Ministers.
This marked a pivotal moment, with Kumar ended his 18-month alliance with Lalu Prasad Yadav’s RJD and formed a new government in partnership with the BJP. This dramatic reversal of alliances surprised many, leaving questions about Kumar’s political motivations and the implications for the upcoming national elections.
A total of 8 leaders took oath as cabinet ministers in the new government led by Nitish Kumar include three from BJP – Samrat Choudhary, Vijay Kumar Sinha, Prem Kumar, three from JDU – Vijay Kumar Choudhary, Bijendra Prasad Yadav, Shrawon Kumar and Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular) president Santosh Kumar Suman and independent MLA Sumit Kumar Singh.
“We will stay together. A total of eight leaders took oath as ministers today and the rest will be inducted soon. Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha have been appointed as Deputy Chief Ministers” said Nitish Kumar while addressing the media.
“The NDA government formed in Bihar will leave no stone unturned in the development of the state and fulfilling the aspirations of its people. Congratulations to Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and Deputy Chief Ministers Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha on taking the oath. I believe this team will serve my fellow citizens in the state with utmost dedication,” said Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his post on X formerly known as Twitter.
बिहार में बनी एनडीए सरकार राज्य के विकास और यहां के लोगों की आकांक्षाओं को पूरा करने के लिए कोई कोर-कसर नहीं छोड़ेगी। @NitishKumar जी को मुख्यमंत्री और सम्राट चौधरी जी एवं विजय सिन्हा जी को उप मुख्यमंत्री पद की शपथ लेने पर मेरी बहुत-बहुत बधाई।
मुझे विश्वास है कि यह टीम पूरे…
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 28, 2024
Kumar, a seasoned politician known for his strategic shifts, submitted his resignation to Governor Rajendra Arlekar earlier today. He cited difficulties within the grand alliance and lack of progress towards his vision for Bihar as reasons for the shake-up.
“I was getting suggestions from all around. I had quit an earlier alliance for a new tie-up. But the situation was not okay. So I have resigned,” Kumar told reporters shortly after the development.
He pointed to the INDIA bloc, an opposition alliance he spearheaded, as an example of unfulfilled promises. “I got an alliance forged, but nobody was doing anything,” he said.
This marks a significant blow to the opposition ahead of crucial Lok Sabha polls later this year. It also reignites speculations about Kumar’s political motivations, given his history of switching alliances.