In the run-up to the 2024 General Elections, the parties forming the INDIA Alliance are still grappling with the crucial decision of selecting their prime ministerial candidate. Meanwhile, JD(U) has added an intriguing twist to the mix by suggesting that Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is ready to lead the country.
Nitish Kumar has neither confirmed nor denied JD(U)’s announcement, which was made by party president Rajiv Ranjan Singh during a gathering in their stronghold of Nalanda. Singh proclaimed, “Your leader is now prepared to guide the nation.”
However, among the INDIA Alliance’s member parties, there has been no endorsement of this unexpected claim by a regional party with a strong presence in Bihar, Arunachal Pradesh, and Manipur. Furthermore, JD(U) is a part of the Bihar state government.
When questioned about the potential prime ministerial candidate, AICC spokesperson Supriya Shrinate emphasized that the paramount concern for the INDIA Alliance is upholding the supremacy of the country’s Constitution and governing in accordance with it. The alliance is committed to addressing issues concerning youth, unemployment, Manipur, the Adani controversy, and job creation.
Trinamool chief Mamata Banerjee is currently on an international tour to attract foreign investment to West Bengal’s economic sector, and her party declined to comment on Singh’s statement. DMK organizing secretary RS Bharathi underscored that party chief MK Stalin has repeatedly stressed the primary objective of ousting the BJP from government, which takes precedence over any other consideration.
Nitish Kumar has consistently stated that he harbors no aspirations to become the Prime Minister. His primary focus is to unite the fragmented opposition to mount a cohesive challenge against the BJP-led NDA in the forthcoming 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
Rajiv Ranjan Singh, also known as Lallan Singh, is considered a close associate of Bihar CM Nitish Kumar. He made these remarks while addressing a gathering at Harnaut assembly constituency, the place where Nitish Kumar was initially elected as an MLA in 1985, in Nitish’s home district of Nalanda.
Singh highlighted Nitish’s extensive political career, which includes serving as an MLA, MP, and holding various ministerial portfolios in Union governments. He lauded Nitish for his unblemished track record and integrity in public service.
As Singh concluded his speech, he cryptically remarked, “Dekhiye kya hota hai aage-aage. Iske aage ham kuchh nahin kahenge… (See what happens next. Won’t say anything beyond this!).”
Nitish Kumar has been actively spearheading efforts to unite the disparate opposition forces. He convened the first opposition meeting, attended by 15 parties including Congress, TMC, NCP, SP, AAP, DMK, and Shiv Sena (UBT), in Patna in June. Subsequent meetings of the opposition were held in Bengaluru and Mumbai. However, no party within the INDIA Alliance has publicly proposed that Nitish Kumar should be rewarded for his endeavors.
