Political Turmoil in Bihar: Jairam Ramesh Accuses Nitish Kumar of Betraying Voter Mandate
Allegations of Leadership Coup in Bihar
On Thursday, Congress MP Jairam Ramesh claimed that a leadership coup has taken place in Bihar, which he described as a betrayal of the public mandate. He confirmed that Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has filed his nomination for the Rajya Sabha elections. In a post on X, Ramesh stated that the Indian National Congress's warnings during the Bihar election campaign have now come to fruition, alleging that a conspiracy orchestrated by G2 has led to this leadership change and power shift, which he believes undermines the will of the people.
Nitish Kumar's Confirmation for Rajya Sabha Candidacy
Nitish Kumar has confirmed his intention to join the Rajya Sabha and will submit his nomination in the current election cycle. The 75-year-old leader expressed his full support for the new cabinet. In a post on X, he stated his desire to become a member of the Rajya Sabha this time around. Kumar assured that his relationship with the public will remain strong, and he is committed to working together for the development of Bihar, promising his complete cooperation and guidance to the new government.
Kumar's Political Journey and Recent Developments
This development follows Nitish Kumar's fifth victory in 2025, where the NDA secured a two-thirds majority in the state, leading him to take the oath of office as Chief Minister for the tenth time. Kumar holds the record for being Bihar's longest-serving Chief Minister. His political career has been marked by significant ups and downs, beginning with his entry into politics as a member of the Janata Dal, becoming an MLA in 1985. He co-founded the Samata Party with George Fernandes in 1994 and was elected to the Lok Sabha in 1996, serving as a central minister in the Vajpayee government. The NDA gained a majority in the Bihar Assembly in 2005.
Kumar's Shifting Alliances
In the 2010 state elections, the ruling coalition won by a large margin. In June 2013, Kumar parted ways with the BJP to form a coalition government with the RJD and Congress. Jitan Ram Manjhi succeeded him in 2014, but Kumar returned as Chief Minister in 2015, leading the Mahagathbandhan to victory that year. In 2017, he rejoined the NDA, leading another coalition government with the BJP in the 2020 state elections. In August 2022, Kumar left the NDA to rejoin the Mahagathbandhan, only to switch back to the NDA in January 2024, once again leading a coalition government with the BJP and achieving a significant victory in the 2025 elections.