Introduction:
Recent developments indicate that Nitish Kumar, the Chief Minister of Bihar, is engaging in crucial political meetings with several prominent leaders. This article delves into his meetings with Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, the subsequent planned meetings with Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi, and the potential alliance discussions with the Congress top leadership. Additionally, it explores the evolving dynamics between the Congress, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in various states.
1. Nitish Kumar Stands by Arvind Kejriwal amid Controversy:
During his visit to Delhi, Nitish Kumar assured Arvind Kejriwal of his support amidst a recent ordinance controversy. He emphasized that if an attempt were made to pass the ordinance as a bill in Parliament, all opposition parties in the Rajya Sabha would unite to block it. This gesture highlighted Nitish Kumar's commitment to standing alongside the Delhi Chief Minister.
2. Potential Meeting with Congress Leadership:
Following his meeting with Arvind Kejriwal, Nitish Kumar is scheduled to meet Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi. The presence of Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav alongside Nitish Kumar during this meeting is also anticipated. Speculation suggests that Nitish Kumar intends to discuss the opposition alliance with the Congress top leadership.
3. Complex Relations between Congress, AAP, and BJP:
While the Adani debate in Parliament witnessed coordination between the Congress and AAP, the Congress later distanced itself from the AAP. Notably, the AAP was not invited to the swearing-in ceremony of Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. Delhi Pradesh Congress has conveyed its objections to the Congress top leadership, citing political rivalry with the AAP in Punjab. Furthermore, the Congress accuses the AAP of indirectly aiding the ruling BJP by dividing anti-BJP votes in states like Gujarat and Goa.
4. Congress Alleges AAP's Indirect Assistance to BJP:
The Congress, adhering to its previous stance, invited parties that indirectly benefited the BJP to the swearing-in ceremony in Karnataka. In this context, the Congress labeled the AAP as an "indirect helper" of the BJP. In return, the AAP has accused the central government of attempting to curtail the power of the Delhi government through the Supreme Court's order. Arvind Kejriwal has called on all opposition parties to support him on this matter.
5. Nitish Kumar's Potential Role in Bridging the Gap:
Considering Nitish Kumar's active involvement in the opposition alliance for an extended period, there are speculations that he may be taking initiatives to bridge the distance between his party, Janata Dal (United) [JD(U)], and the Congress. These meetings and discussions with the Congress leadership assume significance in this context.