Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Thursday responded cryptically to RJD president Lalu Prasad’s invitation to return to the INDIA bloc. He said, “Kya bol rahe hain (What are you saying)” when journalists inquired about Prasad’s recent proposition.
Kumar has previously allied with the RJD, a member of the INDIA bloc, twice over the past decade.
Tejashwi Yadav, Prasad’s son and political successor, attempted to downplay his father’s comments in a local news channel interview, suggesting that Prasad was simply addressing media curiosity.
Prasad had stated, “Our doors are open (for Nitish). He should also unbolt his gates. This would facilitate movement of people from both sides.”
This statement gained traction amid Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s efforts to highlight Kumar as the NDA’s face in the upcoming Assembly elections, sparking speculation in some media circles.
Journalists approached Kumar at Raj Bhavan during the swearing-in ceremony of Arif Mohammad Khan as the new governor.
Surrounded by Khan and Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary from the BJP, Kumar folded his hands and smiled, responding to questions about Prasad’s offer with another inquiry, “What are you saying?”
When asked whether the current state government would complete its term, Khan interjected, asserting that it was not the appropriate time for such queries, urging positivity on the day.
Later, Tejashwi Yadav, now the Leader of the Opposition and former Deputy CM, addressed the media, reiterating his prediction that the new year would mark the end of the NDA government led by Nitish Kumar. He commented, “I have already made my stand clear,” and criticized the repetitive questions facing his father, implying his responses were intended to quell media curiosity.
Union Minister and former JD(U) president Rajiv Ranjan Singh “Lalan” also fielded questions regarding Prasad. He affirmed the strength of the NDA coalition, stating, “JD(U) and BJP are united. It is a free society, and anyone can express their views. It is for Lalu ji to further elaborate on his comments.” Lalan’s close ties with Prasad during Kumar’s absence from the NDA have fueled rumors about his leadership decisions within the party.