Nitish minus Lalu plus Modi: Bihar CM will rule with BJP
Grand Alliance splits up as Kumar resigns, will take oath again today
PATNA: Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar resigned on Wednesday, torpedoing his so-called grand alliance with troubled allies Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and Congress, and setting the stage for a new ruling partnership with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
On a day of high political drama, Kumar’s surprise decision came hours after RJD chief Lalu Prasad ruled out the resignation of his son and deputy chief minister Tejashwi, who is facing an investigation over an alleged land-for-hotels scandal.
“They would have grown in stature had they explained, resigned… I heard the voice of my conscience and decided to pull myself out of this coalition,” Kumar said, referring to Lalu and his son’s alleged involvement in corruption.
“They have their way, I have mine. I will move consistently on mine. There was no way this could continue,” said the 66-year-old leader who was almost immediately congratulated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi for resigning.
Almost on cue, Lalu accused Kumar of planning the move in “cahoots with the saffron party”. He said the chief minister was also under pressure because he was facing murder charges.
› This is the voice of my conscience... there is no logic for continuance. › NITISH KUMAR It is the need of the hour to rise above political differences. › NARENDRA MODI He fought the BJP, won and now gives up the government to the BJP. LALU PRASAD