Bihar Live: ‘Will Modi Remain PM in 2024?’ Nitish Asks After Taking Oath as CM
Catch all the live updates from the political developments in Bihar here.
Janata Dal (United) chief Nitish Kumar on Wednesday, 10 August, took oath as chief minister of Bihar, along with Rashtriya Janata Dal leader Tejashwi Yadav, who was sworn in as the deputy CM.
(Photo: The Quint)
Bihar Political Crisis Live News Updates: After taking oath as chief minister of Bihar on Wednesday, 10 August, Janata Dal (United) chief Nitish Kumar cast doubt over Narendra Modi becoming the prime minister again in 2024.
He said, "Those who came to power in 2014, will they be victorious in 2024?" and added that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) "can say what they want, but I will not live in the year 2014."
Kumar took oath along with Rashtriya Janata Dal leader Tejashwi Yadav, who was sworn in as the deputy CM.
This came a day after Nitish Kumar called off the Janata Dal (United)-BJP coalition and announced a 'Mahagathbandan' of seven parties, with RJD as the prime partner.
Meanwhile, the BJP is out on streets in Patna, protesting against the new alliance.
This marks the JD(U) chief's eighth stint as CM.
(Photo: PTI)
Bihar Bharatiya Janata Party President Sanjay Jaiswal with senior leaders Ravishankar Prasad, Shushil Kumar Modi, Nityanand and others at a protest dharna against the states new Grand Alliance government, in Patna, Wednesday, 10 August.
BJP stages protest against Nitish Kumar.
BJP stages protest against Nitish Kumar.
Nitish Kumar's decision to call it quits with the BJP was announced during a key meeting of JD(U) MPs and MLAs conducted on Tuesday, during which he accused the BJP of attempting to "break" its alliance partner.
Pledging support for Nitish Kumar, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav said on Tuesday, "BJP will be left alone in the Bihar Assembly. All parties have accepted Nitish Kumar as their leader."
After Nitish's U-Turn, BJP leader Ravi Shankar Prasad said that the JD(U) chief was "disrespecting the mandate of people."
The disintegration of ties between Kumar and the BJP was evident in the last few months, even though it has still left many surprised at the swift turn of events.
‘People Are Disillusioned With Centre’: Bhupesh Baghel
Taking a dig at the BJP, Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Baghel said, "They (BJP) wanted to topple the government in Jharkhand, but their own government collapsed (in Bihar). NDA's alliance partners are leaving it...be it Akali Dal, Shiv Sena and JD(U). It's a message for 2024, people are disillusioned with Centre."
JD(U) President Attacks BJP, Explains Why Nitish Quit Alliance
JD(U) national president Rajiv Ranjan (Lalan) Singh said, "Nitish Kumar did not want to become CM in 2020 but you (BJP) forcefully made him CM... RCP Singh came to JDU as an agent of BJP. You (BJP) did not follow coalition dharma. We are not afraid of Income Tax, CBI and ED."
‘Bihar Did What Country Needs to Do’: Deputy CM Tejashwi Yadav
Bihar Dy CM, Tejashwi Yadav, told ANI, "Bihar did what country needs to do. We have shown them a way. Our fight has been against unemployment. Our CM felt pain of the poor and youth. We will give bumper jobs within one month to poor and youth, it will be something so grand that it has never happened before."
He added that the new "Mahagathbandhan is so strong that BJP would be only one left for opposition in Vidhan Sabha."
"Difficult decision taken by CM Nitish Kumar is a decision which was needed. Communal tensions were being spread by BJP, they were trying to kill regional parties," Yadav added.
Tamil Nadu CM Wishes Nitish, Tejashwi
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin wished Nitish Kumar and Tejashwi Yadav on forming government in Bihar and said in a tweet, "The return of the Grand Alliance in Bihar is a timely effort in the unity of secular and democratic forces of the country."
Giriraj Singh Calls Nitish a ‘Snake'
Union Minister and BJP leader Giriraj Singh said after Nitish's oath-taking ceremony on Wednesday, "Today 'Palturam' became 'Kalturam'. I came to know that Lalu Yadav congratulated him (Nitish Kumar). Lalu Yadav once tweeted that he is a snake, like a snake sheds its skin, he sheds his alliance and takes a new one every two years."
‘Not a Contender for PM Post’: CM Nitish Kumar
On being asked if he is aiming for the PM's post, Nitish Kumar said, "Those who came to power in 2014, will they be victorious in 2024? I would like all (opposition) to be united for 2024. I am not a contender for any such post (on PM post)."
Nitish Kumar Sworn in as Bihar CM, Tejashwi Yadav Becomes Deputy
Janata Dal (United) chief Nitish Kumar on Wednesday, 10 August, took oath as chief minister of Bihar, along with Rashtriya Janata Dal leader Tejashwi Yadav, who was sworn in as the deputy CM.
RJD Leader Tejashwi Yadav, Tej Pratap Arrive at Raj Bhawan
RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav arrives at Raj Bhawan, likely to be sworn in as Bihar Deputy CM.
'History Has Taken a New Turn’: Manoj Jha
RJD MP Manoj Kumar Jha said, "This is not the oath-taking ceremony of just two persons, but of Bihar. History has taken a new turn today."
'Nitish Will Betray RJD': Sushil Modi Launches Attack on JD(U)
BJP leader Sushil Modi held a press conference on Wednesday and attacked CM-designate Nitish Kumar claiming that he is "too ambitious" and "will ditch even the RJD."
Modi added, "His people wanted him to be declared as Vice president and approached the BJP with the proposal."
He also claimed that RCP Singh's appointment as the Union Minister was done after consulation with Kumar and that he is "lying" to take political advantage.
Tejashwi Arrives at Nitish Kumar's Residence
RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, set to become Bihar deputy CM, arrived at CM-designate Nitish Kumar's residence ahead of the oath ceremony scheduled for 2 pm.
Nitish Kumar Dials Lalu Ahead of Oath
Bihar CM-designate Nitish Kumar reportedly called RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav on the phone and briefed him on all the political developments ahead of his oath-taking ceremony.
Lalu Prasad Yadav congratulated him and appreciated his decision.
Prasad's son, Tejashwi Yadav, will be sworn-in as deputy CM today.
‘Positive Change for the Whole Nation’: TRS MLC K Kavitha
Speaking on the political developments in Bihar, Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) MLC K Kavitha said, "I believe it's a positive change for the whole nation because the era of backdoor politics has been countered very well by Nitish Kumar. I appreciate the efforts he has taken and the Mahagathbandhan which stood behind him to uphold the verdict given by people of Bihar."
She added, "This backdoor politics should be stopped, in one or the other way. Bihar has started the way. Nalanda has always shown the way to the world, now to the country I believe. I hope it repeats everywhere else."
‘Hope Political Stability Will Return to Bihar Now’: Prashant Kishor
Poll strategist Prashant Kishor said that he hopes "political stability" to return to Bihar now, ANI reported.
"Nitish Kumar has said that he is starting a new chapter. I hope he fulfills the aspirations of the people of Bihar," Kishor added.
Kishor further said, "I see what's happening now in the context of the era of political instability in Bihar. Since 2013-14, this is the 6th attempt to form government in Bihar. Formations are changed when one's political or administrative expectations are not fulfilled."
JD(U) Third Ally To Snap Ties With BJP Since 2019
The JD(U) on Tuesday became the third major ally to snap ties with the BJP after 2019.
Within 18 months of the BJP’s second consecutive Lok Sabha election victory, the party lost two of its oldest allies – Shiv Sena and Akali Dal.
Now, with less than two years left for the next general elections, JD(U) moved out of the ruling BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA).
‘Those Who Can’t Form Govt on Their Own, Are Dreaming Of Becoming PM’: BJP
Former Bihar Deputy CM Tarkishore Prasad attacked Nitish Kumar and said that "those who cannot form the government on their own, are dreaming of becoming the prime minister, this is ridiculous."
BJP Protests Against Nitish Kumar
The saffron party has announced protests against Nitish Kumar from Wednesday onwards.
The BJP is observing the day as ‘Vishwasghaat Day’ and the party is out on the streets to protest at the party’s state headquarters.
All the party’s MLA, MLCs, and national and state leaders will be present. A meeting of party leaders has also been called at 4.30 pm.
‘Ghar Wapsi’ of 2017-20 Mandate: RJD Leader Manoj Jha
Taking a dig at the BJP, RJD leader and RS MP Manoj Jha said that "It is not only a government that will take oath, it is 'ghar wapasi' of 2017-2020 mandate. It's very important, especially in an era where BJP has decided to mangle democratic values - that only they would remain. Bihar gave a message. It's an oath of people of Bihar."
‘Bihar Will Give a Befitting Reply’: Former Bihar Deputy CM
BJP leader and former Deputy CM Tarkishore Prasad, said on Wednesday, "In 2017 Nitish Kumar said RJD trying to break JD(U). Yesterday, he said BJP trying to break his party. His decision to split from BJP was well-thought out. If a leader acts as per his own personal ambitions, Bihar will give a befitting reply."
'In 2024, BJP Will Definitely Win': UP Dy CM Brajesh Pathak
Deputy CM of Uttar Pradesh, Brajesh Parthak claimed that the "BJP has ensured good governance and the enforcement of law in Bihar."
He added that they will continue working for the people of Bihar. "In 2024, the BJP would definitely win. Just wait and watch," Pathak said.
‘Nitish Kumar Does Everything Just To Be in Power’: BJP's Nityanand Rai
MoS Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and BJP MP from Bihar, Nityanand Rai, said, "In the 1974 agitation (Bihar movement), youth sacrificed their lives - Nitish Kumar betrayed their blood by forging an alliance with Congress and RJD. What does it mean to compromise with 15-year-long terror and anarchy?"
He added that "Going with RJD and Tejashwi Yadav is a betrayal to the people and mandate of Bihar, to the ideologies of Lohia-JP-George. Going with Congress-RJD proves that Nitish Kumar does everything just to be in power."
‘People Will Give a Reply in LS and Assembly Polls’: BJP’s RS Prasad
A day after stating that Nitish Kumar "betrayed the people of Bihar," BJP MP RS Prasad said, "Nitish Kumar has been a non-Congress leader. His politics is around non-Congressism. Is that finished? Compromise with corruption and non-Congressism! Nitish Kumar sided with corruption and Congressism. Congratulations. People will give a reply in LS and Assembly polls."
‘10 Lakh People Would Be Employed’: RJD General Secretary
RJD National General Secretary, Shyam Rajak, said on Wednesday, "More than 10 lakh people would be employed... There is a flicker of hope for the people who have been concerned about the growing communalism. Awareness against PM Modi is spreading among the people of the country."
‘Snake Has Entered Your Home’: Giriraj Singh
BJP leader and Union Minister Giriraj Singh took a swipe at RJD patriarch Lalu Prasad Yadav and retweeted Yadav's tweet from 2017, saying that "The snake has entered your home."
The tweet by Lalu Yadav had said that Nitish Kumar sheds skin in the same manner in which a snake does.
Congress Likely To Get Four Ministerial Berths
The Congress is likely to get four ministerial berths in the new government in Bihar as per sources.
Soon after resigning as chief minister, Kumar spoke to both Congress president Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi. He is also learnt to have thanked the Congress leadership for extending support to the new government.
The Congress has 19 MLAs in the 243-member Bihar Assembly while the JD(U) has 43, RJD 79, CPI(ML) 12, and CPI and CPI(M) each have two legislators. The BJP has 77 MLAs in Bihar while the Jitan Ram Manjhi-led Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM) has four. The House has one Independent MLA while one seat is vacant.
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