PATNA[Bihar]: In a dramatic turn of events, Janata Dal (United) leader Nitish Kumar resigned as the Chief Minister of Bihar, marking a significant shift in the political landscape of the state. The resignation came amidst a flurry of activities earlier in the day, with Nitish Kumar submitting his resignation letter, accompanied by letters of support from BJP legislators, to Governor Rajendra Arlekar.
Governor Arlekar, upon accepting the resignation, requested Nitish Kumar to continue performing his administrative duties as the caretaker Chief Minister until the formation of the new government. Reports indicate that Nitish Kumar is expected to be sworn in as Chief Minister for the ninth time, alongside two Deputy Chief Ministers from the BJP, during the scheduled oath-taking ceremony on Sunday at 5 PM.
BJP national president JP Nadda is set to arrive in Bihar later in the day and will be welcomed at the airport by Union Minister Nityanand Rai and former state party president and MP Sanjay Jaiswal.
Amid speculations about the Deputy Chief Ministers, the BJP's state spokesperson, Sumit Shashank, clarified that Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Sinha would be sworn in as Nitish's deputies.
In response to the political upheaval, Nitish Kumar, after tendering his resignation, commented on the unsatisfactory state of affairs within the 'Mahagathbandhan' (grand alliance) formed a year and a half ago.
The political landscape in Bihar has been marked by shifting alliances and realignments. In the 243-member Bihar Assembly, RJD has 79 MLAs, followed by BJP with 78, JD(U) with 45, Congress with 19, CPI (M-L) with 12, two each of CPI(M) and CPI, four seats for Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular), one for AIMIM, and one Independent legislator.
Nitish Kumar, a prominent figure in Bihar politics, first became Chief Minister in 2000, campaigning against RJD supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav's 'Jungle Raaj.' Since then, he has held the position on eight occasions, with his political journey marked by alliances, splits, and realignments.