INDIA Bloc Proposed Prime Ministerial Role to Nitish Kumar: Reveals JDU Leader

"Nitish Kumar's speech in support of Prime Minister Narendra Modi has dispelled all the circulating rumors," KC Tyagi told NDTV.

New Delhi: Bihar Chief Minister and Janata Dal (United) chief Nitish Kumar was proposed the prime ministerial post by the Opposition INDIA bloc following the Lok Sabha election results, according to a statement by party leader KC Tyagi in an exclusive interview with NDTV. Tyagi's comments surfaced amid speculations that the INDIA bloc is attempting to bring Nitish Kumar back into their alliance to prevent the NDA from securing a third consecutive term in power.

Tyagi stated that the JDU has rejected all proposals from the opposition and intends to work with the NDA for the next five years. "Nitish Kumar's support for Prime Minister Narendra Modi has put an end to all the rumors. These speculations should have stopped when we (JDU) allied with the NDA," Tyagi told NDTV.

He expressed discontent with the treatment of their leader by Congress and its allies, which led them to pursue an alternative course. "Those who once doubted Nitish Kumar's suitability as the alliance's convenor are now offering him the Prime Minister's role. However, the JDU has turned down all such offers," he added.

Tyagi, 73, emphasized their primary demand for Bihar to be granted special status to foster development. "The division of resources, particularly coal mines, to Jharkhand left Bihar with unemployment, poverty, and migration issues. Bihar cannot progress unless it receives special status," Tyagi stated.

Speculation about a potential reunion between Nitish Kumar and the INDIA bloc emerged on Tuesday evening after it was evident that the BJP would not secure 272 seats independently. Senior INDIA leaders, including former Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, hinted at extending an olive branch to Nitish Kumar.

By Thursday, sources close to Nitish Kumar dismissed this possibility, noting ongoing talks with the BJP regarding ministerial position allocations. The BJP leadership was reminded of Nitish Kumar's departure from the INDIA bloc due to delays in naming him as its Convenor.

Sources revealed that the JDU is set to receive two significant posts in the new cabinet under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, scheduled for swearing-in tomorrow. The party has nominated two senior leaders, Lalan Singh and Ram Nath Thakur. Lalan Singh represents Bihar's Munger in the Lok Sabha, while Ram Nath Thakur, a Rajya Sabha MP, is the son of Bharat Ratna awardee Karpoori Thakur.