Nitish Kumar Rejects RJD’s Offer, Calls Past Alliances a ‘Mistake’

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has firmly dismissed speculation about rekindling ties with his former ally, the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD). Speaking in Muzaffarpur during his state-wide Pragati Yatra, Kumar said he had forged alliances with the opposition party “by mistake” and criticized its past performance while in power.

“Did those who were in power before us achieve anything? People were afraid to step out after sunset. I mistakenly aligned with them a couple of times,” Kumar said, referring to the RJD, as quoted by PTI. Highlighting his government’s achievements, he pointed to the success of women-led self-help groups, which inspired the Centre’s Ajivika program.

Kumar’s comments come days after RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav hinted at keeping “doors open” for a possible alliance. However, Kumar snubbed the offer, choosing instead to strengthen his ties with the BJP-led NDA, which he rejoined last year ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

BJP and JD(U) Alliance in Focus

The BJP, which counts on allies like Kumar’s Janata Dal (United) and Chandrababu Naidu’s TDP, has been positioning itself for the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections. Despite speculation over the NDA’s leadership, state BJP leaders have backed Kumar as the alliance’s chief ministerial candidate.

RJD’s cryptic outreach has also sparked mixed reactions within its camp, with Lalu Prasad Yadav’s son Tejashwi Yadav downplaying the offer while ally Congress expressed support. Amid these political maneuvers, Kumar remains steadfast in his rejection, reiterating his focus on Bihar’s development and distancing himself from past alliances.

News Source : “Information for this article was gathered from a variety of reliable news outlets.”