New year begins with talks of political realignment in Bihar

Lalu invites Nitish back to I.N.D.I.A amid BJP tensions

Patna: RJD patriarch Lalu Prasad's recent statement that "our doors are always open for Nitish" has set the rumour mills churning in Bihar as the JD (U) boss is known for doing somersaults whenever situation fits.  

While Nitish came up with a cryptic response to the offer, no political pundit worth his salt can predict what's going on in his mind. "Kya bol rahe hain (What are you saying)" was all he said in reply to queries from journalists about Lalu's fresh offer.

As the Hindi-heartland state is heading for Assembly elections later this year, Lalu's statement on Wednesday night that "our doors are always open for Nitish and he too should keep his doors open for us" has rekindled discussions whether the state will witness a fresh political realignment.

The JD(U) leader is known for switching allegiances at a whim — He has been sworn in as chief minister thrice in the last four years, with ideologically diametric partners.

Incidentally, the RJD patriarch's statement came just a day after his son and Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly Tejashwi Yadav ruled out Nitish’s return to the I.N.D.I.A bloc. However, in Bihar, it’s the irrepressible Lalu who is the final authority in the RJD. And his statement has come at a time when Nitish is reportedly miffed at partner BJP.

Last week, Deputy Chief Minister and senior BJP leader Vijay Sinha made a statement that the real tribute to late Atal Bihari Vajpayee will be when the BJP forms a government in Bihar. Later, realising that he may be 'politically incorrect', Sinha clarified that what he meant was "an NDA government in Bihar".

But the folly was enough to ruffle Nitish's feathers who was already miffed with Amit Shah's recent statement that "the BJP Parliamentary Board will decide about the CM candidate in Bihar. 

Shah's statement was seen as a rebuff to Nitish who could face a Maharashtra-like situation where the ally Eknath Shinde was pushed out of the hot seat. 

Nitish has been sending signals that none should take his partnership for granted.

Four recent developments will help sum up this.

First, Nitish recently visited New Delhi where he paid tributes to late Manmohan Singh but did not meet any top BJP leaders.

Secondly, on January 1, the new Governor of Bihar, Arif Mohammad Khan visited Nitish's ancestral village to pay tributes to the CM's mother on her death anniversary. Both Khan and Nitish are old friends.

Thirdly, soon after spending time with Nitish, Khan, who enjoys good rapport with Lalu Prasad too, went to greet Rabri Devi at her Patna residence on the occasion of her birthday. 

Fourth, Lalu's statement of “keeping doors open for Nitish” came soon after Khan's visit.

As of now, the BJP leaders in the state are saying the NDA will contest the Assembly polls "under the leadership of Nitish Kumar and Narendra Modi". And Nitish's current posturings are seen only as a message to his saffron partner. 

"I doubt whether Nitish will do a somersault again. This tough posturing is more a stern message to the BJP top leadership not to make the mistake of treating him like Shinde," opined Ajay Kumar, a veteran political commentator and editor of a leading Hindi daily.