JDU sans BJP awaits 2024 polls with Nitish as Opposition's Captain?

The 'break-up' of the saffron party and JD(U) has caused a storm in the political circuit as a new government is expected to be formed in Bihar. The much-anticipated dismantling of government has led to many wondering about what could be the possible aftermath of Nitish Kumar's move, who parted ways with BJP after submitting his resignation to Governor Phagu Chauhan, Tuesday.

Nitish Kumar resigns as Bihar Chief Minister, meet RJD's Tejashwi Yadav

In retrospect, it's not difficult to understand Kumar's move to walk out of the National Democratic Alliance as puts him in the Opposition camp and makes him a contender for the PM candidate for 2024. Here's why:

1) Gadkari's early prediction: Union Minister Nitin Gadkari in 2013 had accused the Bihar CM of eyeing the Prime Minister's chair, claiming that he was playing minority appeasement politics.

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2) Nitish as Opposition's Presidential candidate: Even during the just concluded Presidential Polls, Kumar's name had cropped up for the esteemed post. JD(U) MP Alok K Suman had vouched for his CM saying that an experienced leader like him would be a good pick. The NCP had also reportedly weighed in on the likeliness of Kumar's candidature for President post.

3) 20 years' experience factor: Time and again JD(U) has propagated the expertise of Kumar in running Bihar for a good 20 years, and likening it to his capability to run the country too.

4) The 2019 decision to not join the NDA: JD(U)'s decision to not join the NDA was the first sign of rift between the alliance partners. JD(U) was reportedly unhappy for being offered just one cabinet berth by BJP. Its spokesperson Pavan Varma later announced that the party was not joining the BJP-led NDA at Centre.

5) RJD factor: Foes-turned-friends
Attending Iftar party, supporting LoP in Bihar Assembly Tejashwi Yadav for protesting against Centre's on inflation were clear hints of the JD(U)'s broader political ambitions.

6) Nitish not attending NITI Aayog's meeting presided by PM was the final nail in the coffin to the widening rift that already prevailed between JD(U) and BJP.

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