JD(U) accuses Mamata's 'Kharge move' for Nitish's INDIA bloc exit

PTC News Desk: The Janata Dal (United) (JD(U)) has pointed fingers at the Congress, accusing it of orchestrating a plot that led to Nitish Kumar's departure from the INDIA bloc. KC Tyagi, a prominent leader of JD(U), asserted that the Congress sought to hijack the leadership of the Opposition alliance by manipulating the proposal of Mallikarjun Kharge as the prime ministerial candidate.

Tyagi claimed that a conspiracy unfolded during a meeting on December 19, where Mamata Banerjee was allegedly coerced into putting forward Kharge's name. He emphasised that in a previous meeting in Mumbai, it had been unanimously agreed that the INDIA alliance would function without a designated prime ministerial face. However, he alleged that the Congress disrupted the unity by persistently delaying discussions on seat-sharing.

"In the meeting that took place on December 19, through a conspiracy, to get the leadership of INDIA alliance, Mallikarjun Kharge's name was proposed (as PM face)…earlier, in the meeting that took place in Mumbai, it was unanimously decided that without any PM face, INDIA alliance will work," Tyagi stated.

Highlighting the orchestrated move, Tyagi accused Mamata Banerjee of being manipulated into proposing Kharge as the prime ministerial face, suggesting that other parties had established their individual identities by resisting the Congress. He further criticised the Congress for prolonging seat-sharing negotiations, emphasising the urgent need for resolution. Tyagi argued that the INDIA alliance lacked coherent plans to combat the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

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Mamata Banerjee had initially proposed Mallikarjun Kharge as the prime ministerial candidate for the alliance, leading to Kharge being appointed as the chairperson of the Opposition's bloc after Nitish Kumar declined the convenor's position. Nitish Kumar had previously denied a desire to assume the alliance's leadership, stating that discussions on leadership would occur later. A JD(U) MLA had also recently claimed that Nitish Kumar felt disrespected within the Mahagathbandhan alliance and was battling for his political relevance.

Congress labels Nitish Kumar as 'chameleon' amid INDIA Bloc turmoil

In a dramatic turn of events, Nitish Kumar's resignation from the chief minister's post has sparked controversy, with Congress leader Jairam Ramesh dubbing him a 'chameleon' and expressing skepticism over his motives. Kumar cited a lack of response from the INDIA bloc as the reason for his abrupt exit.

Jairam Ramesh dismissed concerns about the future of the INDIA bloc, emphasising that the broader concern lies in the fate of India as a society and country if the BJP and RSS ideology persist. Despite Mamata Banerjee's announcement that her party, Trinamool Congress, will contest the Lok Sabha elections alone in West Bengal, Ramesh asserted that the INDIA bloc will only grow stronger.

"This will not have any impact on Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra. The INDIA bloc will be further strengthened," said Ramesh. He predicted that Nitish Kumar's resignation would not adversely affect the alliance, and the people of Bihar would deliver a fitting response to him and the BJP in the upcoming elections.

Acknowledging Nitish Kumar's active participation in INDIA bloc meetings, Ramesh compared him to a chameleon, suggesting that Kumar's actions were unpredictable and inconsistent. Despite initial cooperation and hosting the first meeting in Patna, Ramesh hinted at a sense of betrayal, emphasising that Kumar's resignation would be in the headlines for a short duration.

Meanwhile, DMK leader TKS Elangovan speculated that Nitish Kumar succumbed to pressure from the BJP, alleging that the ruling party aims to dismantle the INDIA alliance out of fear of electoral defeat. Elangovan expressed concern that the BJP might exploit Kumar's departure to undermine Lalu Prasad, who is also part of the alliance. DMK leaders plan to engage in discussions to understand the circumstances surrounding Kumar's decision.

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(Inputs from agencies)