New Delhi: The Janata Dal (United) pointed fingers at the Congress for Nitish Kumar’s departure from the INDIA bloc, alleging that the Congress sought to hijack the leadership of the Opposition alliance. KC Tyagi, a leader of JD(U), asserted that a conspiracy was orchestrated during a meeting on December 19, where Mallikarjun Kharge’s name was put forward as the prime ministerial candidate to seize control of the alliance. Tyagi emphasized that the original agreement was to function without a designated PM face, as unanimously decided in a prior meeting in Mumbai. He further claimed that Mamata Banerjee was manipulated into proposing Kharge’s name, and criticized Congress for delaying seat-sharing discussions and lacking effective strategies against the BJP.
Mamata Banerjee indeed proposed Mallikarjun Kharge as the alliance’s PM face, ultimately leading to Kharge’s appointment as the chairperson of the Opposition bloc after Nitish Kumar rejected the convenor’s position. Kumar clarified that he wasn’t seeking leadership and that the issue would be addressed later. A JD(U) MLA expressed concerns over Kumar being marginalized within the Mahagathbandhan alliance and asserted his fight for relevance.
In response, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh dismissed concerns about the INDIA bloc’s future, labeling Nitish Kumar as a “chameleon” and highlighting Mamata Banerjee’s decision for Trinamool Congress to contest the elections independently in West Bengal. Ramesh emphasized the broader stakes in the upcoming elections and expressed confidence in strengthening the INDIA bloc, despite Kumar’s resignation. He acknowledged that the headlines may focus on Kumar’s departure temporarily but downplayed its long-term impact.
Meanwhile, DMK leader TKS Elangovan suggested that Kumar might have succumbed to pressure from the BJP, alleging BJP’s attempt to fracture the INDIA alliance out of fear of electoral defeat. Elangovan hinted at BJP’s strategy to exploit internal differences within the alliance, particularly in Bihar, by leveraging Kumar’s concerns over Lalu Prasad’s potential ascension as CM. He indicated that party leaders would engage in discussions to address Kumar’s concerns.
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