Bihar Crisis: JD(U)-RJD Govt To Take Oath on 10 Aug, Tejashwi To Be Deputy CM
Catch all live updates of the Bihar political crisis here.
Bihar political crisis live updates
(Photo: The Quint)
Bihar Political Crisis Live News Updates: The JD(U)-RJD led 'Mahagathbandhan' Bihar will take oath at 2 pm on Wednesday, 10 August, the party tweeted. The RJD further tweeted that their leader Tejashwi Yadav will take oath as deputy chief minister of Bihar.
"There was a consensus among all MPs and MLAs that we should leave the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). Once that was decided, I came here and submitted my resignation as the chief minister," Nitish Kumar told the media outside the Raj Bhavan in Patna after he tendered his resignation.
Soon after he resigned, Kumar immediately met Yadav at the latter's residence, following which Kumar was declared to be the leader of the new 'Mahagathbandhan'.
The Janata Dal (United) chief had earlier told party MLAs that he is calling off the alliance with the BJP as it is conspiring to break the JD(U), sources said.
The RJD has demanded that Yadav be made the home minister in the new cabinet and has also demanded the Speaker's post, sources said
Jitan Ram Manjhi's Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM) has extended unconditional support to Nitish Kumar and Mahagathbandhan.
The Opposition parties led by RJD, including Congress and Left parties, have decided to support Tejashwi Yadav in any decision that he takes regarding the coalition
BJP leader and Union Minister Kaushal Kishore said that the BJP never took any steps to irk Nitish Kumar and would want him to "continue as the chief minister."
Nitish Kumar hands over his resignation to Governor Phagu Chauhan on Tuesday, 9 August.
Janata Dal (United) leader Nitish Kumar interacts with the media after submitting his resignation to Bihar Governor Phagu Chauhan, outside Raj Bhavan in Patna, Tuesday, Aug 9, 2022.
RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav welcomes Nitish Kumar at his residence on Tuesday, 9 August.
RJD leaders Tejashwi Yadav and Tej Pratap Yadav with Nitish Kumar at their residence on Tuesday, 9 August.
RJD leaders Tejashwi Yadav and Tej Pratap Yadav with Nitish Kumar at their residence on Tuesday, 9 August.
RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav addresses party workers at his residence after Nitish Kumar's resignation on Tuesday, 9 August.
RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav addresses party workers at his residence after Nitish Kumar's resignation on Tuesday, 9 August.
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Centre-Led Meetings Skipped by Kumar
Kumar's absence from Sunday's NITI Aayog meeting was not the first sign of his discontent with the Union government. In fact, this was the fourth such meeting that Kumar has skipped.
On 17 July, Nitish Kumar did not attend a meeting of all chief ministers called by Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
On 22 July, he skipped the farewell banquet hosted by PM Modi for outgoing President Ram Nath Kovind.
On 25 July, though he had backed Droupadi Murmu as president, he stayed away from the swearing-in ceremony too.
What Has the Congress Said?
The Congress convened a meeting of its legislature party in Bihar on Monday and also said that it would "welcome" CM Kumar into the Opposition camp if he chose to snap ties with the BJP.
AICC secretary Shakil Ahmed Khan said, "We always believe that parties with similar ideologies should come together. If the CM's JD(U), which believes in socialist ideology, quits BJP we will definitely welcome it. But these are early days. We will discuss the unfolding situation at the meeting in the evening."
When asked whether the Congress would back Kumar or RJD's Tejashwi Yadav for the chief minister's post, Khan said, "That is a premature question. First, let Nitish Kumar officially announce that his tie-up with the BJP is over."
'Ready to Embrace CM Kumar': RJD
Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) national vice president Shivanand Tiwary said on Monday that the party was ready to "embrace" CM Kumar. His statement came close on the heels of former Union minister RCP Singh's resignation from the JD(U), hinting at a split between the two parties.
RJD MPs and MLAs were also asked to gather in Patna on Tuesday to deliberate upon matters.
On Monday, RJD MP Manoj Kumar Jha said, "We are the single largest party in Bihar. We can't see elements of instability in the state."
JD(U) Legislators Start Arriving at Kumar's Residence
JD(U) MLC Kumud Verma and party MP Sunil Kumar arrived at the residence of CM Nitish Kumar on Tuesday for the meeting, which is scheduled to begin at 11 am.
Speaking on what the meeting is about, Verma said, "Our meeting is on the issue of Census...Everything is alright...We are happy (with the BJP)," ANI reported.
‘Meeting To Discuss Organisational Matters’: Ram Nath Thakur
While the outcome will only be known once the meeting is over, many prospective attendees have denied that the party's ties with the BJP have worsened.
“Our party had held many such meetings of MPs and MLAs in the past. We have been told that the current meeting has been called to discuss organisational matters. Never heard about any major crisis in the NDA," said Ram Nath Thakur, a Rajya Sabha member, known to be close to the chief minister by virtue of being the son of late Karpoori Thakur, the latter's political mentor.
Another confidant of Kumar, Leshi Singh, who is an MLA and a minister in his cabinet, said, “I was away for the last four or five days but I have an idea of how things have been. There does not seem to be any major crisis facing the NDA government. It goes without saying, though, that the party will abide by any decision taken by the chief minister”.
BJP Leaders Arrive at Dy CM Prasad's Residence
Parallel to JD(U) MLAs and MPs meet at Nitish Kumar's residence, another meeting is about to begin at Deputy CM Tarkishore Prasad's residence in Patna.
BJP's State General Secretary (Org) Bhikhubhai Dalsaniya and state BJP chief Sanjay Jaiswal have arrived at the residence of Prasad's residence.
Meeting of RJD MLAs Underway
The meeting of the RJD MLAs, called by party leader Tejashwi Yadav at his mother Rabri Devi's Circular Road bungalow, a stone's throw from the CM's Anney Marg residence, is underway.
Nitish Kumar To Meet Governor
Amid cracks in the coalition between the Nitish Kumar-led Janata Dal (United) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), JD(U) has sought an appointment from Bihar Governor Phagu Chauhan today at 12:30 pm as per media reports.
Bihar BJP Ministers Likely to Resign: Reports
Some BJP ministers in the state are likely to hand in their resignations today as Nitish Kumar seeks to meet Governor, say reports.
'Waiting for Nitish Kumar to Make The First Move': BJP
Speaking to news agency ANI, a Bihar BJP minister said that he party is waiting for Nitish Kumar to make the first move.
"Why should I resign? We are waiting for Nitish Kumar to make the first move, then we will take a step," he said.
'Can't Predict What Will Happen': Bihar Minister
Bihar minister Shahnawaz Hussain said that he cannot predict what is likely to happen in Bihar today.
"I cannot predict anything. I am a state minister and attending the investors summit was important for me. If I hadn't attended it, how would Bihar have been perceived? We are here to change the perception. I will travel to Patna shortly," he said.
Meeting of JD(U) MLAs Concludes
A meeting of all JD(U) MPs and MLAs concluded at Nitish Kumar's residence.
Nitish Kumar to Meet Governor at 4 PM
Chief minister Nitish Kumar will meet Bihar Governor Phagu Chauhan at 4:00 pm today.
Security Tightened Outside Nitish Kumar's Residence
Heavy security has been deployed outside the residence of Bihar CM and JD(U) leader Nitish Kumar in Patna.
Oppn Leaders Authorise Tejashwi Yadav to Decide Future Course
In the Mahagathbandhan meeting held today, RJD leaders authorised party leader Tejashwi Yadav to take a decision on an alliance with the JD(U), news agency ANI reported. The Congress and Left parties had earlier declared their support for Yadav.
'Never Irked Nitish, Would Want Him to Continue As CM': BJP
BJP leader and Union Minister Kaushal Kishore said that the BJP never took any steps to irk Nitish Kumar and would want him to "continue as the chief minister."
"Don't want to comment on Bihar's political situation, the but BJP never initiated anything that may stir up a controversy or create a situation of uncertainty among them. The JD(U) will make a decision but the BJP definitely wants Nitish Kumar to continue as the CM," he said, as quoted by ANI.
"The BJP would want that the government of JD(U), BJP and other parties, under the Chief Ministership of Nitish Kumar, continue to work strongly and this is in the interest of Bihar as well as the nation," he added.
'BJP Trying to Break JD(U)': What Nitish Kumar Told Party in Key Meet
In the meeting held with the party leaders in Patna, where Bihar CM Nitish Kumar decided to end the alliance with the BJP, the chief minister said that BJP is conspiring to break the JD(U), sources told The Quint.
JD(U) Nalanda MP Kaushalendra also said that the BJP had been trying to lure its leaders to break away from the party and that many were offered Rs 6 crore to do so.
Opposition Parties Hand Over Letter of Support to Tejashwi
Opposition parties, including the Congress and the Left parties led by the RJD handed over a letter of support to Tejashwi Yadav, authorising him to take all decisions regarding the expected coalition with Nitish Kumar's JD(U).
RJD, Congress, and Left MLAs, led by Tejashwi Yadav, are likely to meet Nitish Kumar at his residence in Patna later today to hand over a letter of support before Kumar meets the Governor, sources said.
Upendra Kushwaha Congratulates Nitish Kumar on a 'New Alliance'
JD(U) leader Upendra Kushwaha took to Twitter to congratulate Nitish Kumar on the beginning of a "new alliance."
"Congratulate Nitish Kumar being answerable for a new alliance in a new form. Nitish ji, march ahead! The country waits for you," he said.
'We Don't Weaken Other Parties': BJP Minister
Speaking to the media, Bihar BJP minister Shahnawaz Hussain said that the party did not try to weaken the JD(U).
"We strengthen our own party, we don't weaken any other party. The party leadership will give an official statement. We have worked honestly for business and employment of people of Bihar. The party will make a comment, I won't," he said, as quoted by ANI.
Will Support Any Non-BJP Govt in Bihar: Congress
The Congress on Tuesday said it will support any non-BJP government in Bihar to help strengthen secular forces amid hectic political activity in the state where Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has ended JD(U)'s alliance with the BJP.
Sources said the Congress, which has 19 legislators in the Bihar Assembly, will go by what the RJD decides and its presence will help strengthen the coalition.
"Ours is an ideological battle and we are not fighting for power. The Congress will support any non-BJP government and help strengthen secular forces," Congress general secretary Tariq Anwar told PTI.
"Because Nitish Kumar is leaving the BJP and coming over, we will support him," he said, adding whatever steps are needed to strengthen secular forces and defeat the communal forces the grand old party will take.
'Will Remain With BJP,' Says RLJP
Lok Sabha MP and Raj Rashtriya Lok Janshakti Party (RLJP) leader Prince Raj asserted his party will remain with the BJP-led NDA.
"RLJP is with the NDA. We don't want to comment on the decisions of other parties but we are with the NDA. We didn't feel that the BJP is not giving us equal respect," he said, as quoted by ANI.
'JD(U) and RJD Can't Stay Together For Long': RLJP President
Union minister and RLJP President Pashupati Paras said that the coalition of the RJD and JD(U) won't last for long.
"Such an experiment was done between the RJD and the JDU earlier too, but they can't stay together for long. It is not a good sign for Bihar's development. We have decided that our party will remain a part of NDA," he told ANI.
Nitish Kumar Reaches Raj Bhavan to Meet Governor
Nitish Kumar has reached the Raj Bhavan to meet Governor Phagu Chauhan and is likely to submit his resignation, sources said.
'Nitish Kumar Should Be Ashamed': Union Minister RK Singh
Union Minister RK Singh slammed Nitish Kumar amid reports of forming an alliance with the RJD.
"Fifteen years of RJD rule took the state backwards, CM Nitish Kumar also said this multiple times. How will he justify going into an alliance with RJD whom he said is corrupt? All of this is politics for power, there's no morality, and he should be ashamed," he said.
Nitish Kumar Resigns As the Chief Minister of Bihar
Following cracks in the coalition with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Nitish Kumar resigned as the chief minister of Bihar by handing over his resignation to Governor Phagu Chauhan.
"There was a consensus among all MPs and MLAs that we should leave the NDA. Once that was decided, I came here and submitted my resignation as the chief minister" Nitish Kumar told the media outside the Raj Bhavan in Patna.
Nitish Kumar Meets Tejashwi Yadav After Resignation
Nitish Kumar arrives at Tejashwi Yadav's residence after submitting his resignation, likely to discuss cabinet formation.
'Good Start': Akhilesh Yadav as Nitish Kumar Snaps Ties With BJP
Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav said that Nitish Kumar made a "good start" by snapping ties with the BJP.
"It's a good start. On this day the slogan of 'Angrezo Bharat Chhodo' was given and today the slogan of 'BJP Bhagao' is coming from Bihar. I think soon political parties and people in different states will stand against BJP," he told news agency ANI.
Chirag Paswan Demands President's Rule in Bihar
Slamming Nitish Kumar for resigning as the CM, LJP leader Chirag Paswan demanded imposition of President's Rule in Bihar and accuses him of insulting people's mandate for the second time.
He also called for fresh elections in the state and said that the BJP did everything Nitish Kumar asked for as CM.
JD(U) MLAs to Meet at Nitish Kumar's Residence
All JD(U) MLAs will hold a second round of meeting with Nitish Kumar at his residence.
Nitish Kumar, Tejashwi Yadav Arrive at CM's Residence
A meeting between Nitish Kumar and RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav is underway at the former CM's residence in Patna.
'Betrayal of People's Mandate': Bihar BJP Addresses Media
Addressing the media, Bihar BJP leaders said that Nitish Kumar will be taught a lesson by the people for betraying their mandate.
"We had formed the alliance in 2020 and fought elections as NDA. The mandate was for the NDA. We had 74 seats, but we still kept our promise and made Nitish Kumar the CM. What has happened today is a betrayal of the people and their mandate," Bihar BJP chief Sanjay Jaiswal said.
HAM Extends Support to Nitish Kumar
Jitan Ram Manjhi's Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM) has extended unconditional support to Nitish Kumar and Mahagathbandhan.
Nitish Kumar Declared Leader of 'Mahagathbandhan'
Nitish Kumar has been declared as the leader of the new 'Mahagathbandhan'.
Nitish Kumar, Tejashwi Yadav to Meet Governor
Nitish Kumar and Tejashwi Yadav will meet Governor Phagu Chauhan to form the new government.
'Betrayed Public Mandate': Ravi Shankar Prasad on Nitish
"Why does Nitish betray the public repeatedly?," BJP's Ravi Shankar Prasad asked, while speaking to news agency ANI.
"Is there no corruption in the RJD today? Nitish Kumar has betrayed the public's mandate," he added.
Union Minister Ashwini Choubey Slams Nitish as 'Opportunistic'
BJP leader and Union minister Ashwini Choubey on Tuesday accused Nitish Kumar of being "opportunistic" and said those "betraying" Bihar want to create obstacles in its development.
"The BJP does not suppress anyone, does not betray anyone. Those people betraying Bihar want to create obstacles in its development. The development of Bihar has been a priority for us from Atal Bihari Vajpayee government to the Modi government," Choubey told a TV channel.
"Despite having lesser seats, we made him (Kumar) chief minister. He has deceived the people twice. He is suffering from arrogance," the BJP leader said.
Asked about Kumar's immenent tie-up with the Rashtriya Janata Dal, Choubey said, "Vinaash kaal vipreet buddhi" (when doom approaches, one loses wisdom).
TMC Welcomes Political Development in Bihar
Trinamool Congress on Tuesday welcomed Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar quitting the BJP-led NDA and said no ally can safeguard its identity in the saffron camp as BJP with its "grab all politics" does not believe in the existence of regional parties.
"No political party in NDA is safe with an alliance partner like the BJP. The BJP does not believe in smaller or regional parties' existence. Its policy ensures the wiping out of regional parties even if they are their allies. Such a development was waiting to happen," TMC chief national spokesperson Sukhendu Sekhar Ray said.
Nitish Kumar, Tejashwi Yadav Address Media
"We have support of 164 MLAs and another independent in Bihar Assembly. Our Mahagathbandhan comprises of 7 parties," Nitish Kumar said as he addressed the media after meeting the Governor to stake claim to form the government.
"Our agenda is to work for Bihar and take the state forward," he said.
"There were conspiracies to create controversy (by the BJP). The situations that were being created by them did not go down well with me," he added.
"There were efforts to divide the society. "
'BJP Isolated in Bihar, Hindi Belt': Tejashwi Yadav
Speaking to the media, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav said: "BJP will be left alone in the Bihar Assembly. All parties have accepted Nitish Kumar as their leader."
"Across the Hindi heartland, the BJP does not have any alliance partner, history tells that BJP destroys the parties with whom it forms an alliance. We did see that happening in Punjab and Maharashtra," he added.
"JP Nadda says they wanted to finish regional parties. They want to finish Opposition and destroy democracy," Tejashwi Yadav said.
He further said that Nitiah Kumar took the decision to resign and align with the RJD in the interest of Bihar and the country.
Speaking on their rivalry, Tejashwi said that "clashes take place in every family."
'Nitish Kumar Disrespecting Mandate Of People': BJP
In a press conference, BJP leader Ravi Shankar Prasad said that JD(U) chief Nitish Kumar was "disrespecting the mandate of people."
"Nitish Kumar has left and said that BJP was trying to destroy his party...BJP made him a union minister several times. He was also made a CM. Why did he re-think his decision on alliance with RJD in 2015 and came to BJP in 2017?," the BJP MP asked.
Tejashwi Yadav to Be Deputy CM
RJD leader and Lalu Prasad Yadav's son Tejashwi Yadav to take oath as deputy chief minister, the party tweeted on 9 August.
Oath-Taking Ceremony at 2 pm on Wednesday
The RJD, in a tweet, said that the oath taking ceremony will take place at 2 pm on Wednesday, 10 August at Raj Bhawan.
"The swearing-in ceremony of Honorable Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister will be held tomorrow at 2 pm at Raj Bhawan," the party tweeted.