Bihar Braces for Showdown: Nitish Kumar’s Political Future Hangs in the Balance Ahead of Crucial Floor Test

Karuna

Patna: Patna is engulfed in palpable tension as one of Bihar’s longest-serving Chief Ministers, Nitish Kumar, faces what is perhaps the most pivotal moment of his political career. With a crucial floor test scheduled for Monday, Nitish’s 19-year tenure at the helm of the state hangs in the balance, amidst a backdrop of political intrigue and uncertainty.

Nitish’s dramatic departure from the RJD-Congress alliance on January 28, followed swiftly by his oath-taking for a ninth term as Chief Minister, marked a seismic shift in Bihar’s political landscape. Aligning once again with his old ally, the BJP, Nitish sought to secure his political future. However, the abrupt dissolution of the alliance left former Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Prasad Yadav and RJD supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav reeling, hinting at potential last-minute maneuvers.

Tejashwi, known for his fiery rhetoric, has largely remained silent since Nitish’s defection, prompting speculation about his strategy for the impending floor test. RJD insiders suggest that Tejashwi is meticulously calculating his moves, armed with a comprehensive grasp of the numerical dynamics that could sway the outcome during the budget session of the Bihar Legislative Assembly.

With the Bihar Assembly comprising 243 seats and the majority mark set at 122, the Nitish-led NDA has been vocal about its comfortable majority, boasting a coalition tally of 128. Yet, recent developments have fueled uncertainty, with reports emerging of four JD(U) and two BJP MLAs being untraceable since Saturday.

Of the missing JD(U) legislators, concerns center around Bima Bharti, Sudarshan Kumar, Dilip Rai, and Dr. Sanjiv Kumar, whose absence has raised eyebrows. While Shalini Mishra, who was absent from a crucial lunch gathering at Rural Development Minister Shrawan Kumar’s residence, has since returned and reaffirmed her allegiance to Nitish Kumar.

Independent MLA Sumit Singh, reassuring allies, affirmed that the absent lawmakers would make it to Patna in time for the floor test, dismissing speculations of political upheaval. Nonetheless, the uncertainty surrounding the missing MLAs underscores the fragility of the current political landscape.

In the opposition camp, the RJD holds the largest share of seats with 79, supported by Congress, CPI(ML), CPI(M), and other smaller parties.

As Bihar awaits its political fate, the long and restless night ahead underscores the gravity of Monday’s proceedings, shaping the trajectory of the state’s governance.