The recent election results have positioned the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) to form the government, but these results could prove somewhat worrisome for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). While it is certain that the NDA will form the government, several questions have begun to arise. The biggest question is whether the BJP’s coalition partners will support its government formation if the BJP does not secure an absolute majority. If they do, what conditions will be set, and if these conditions are not met, will they abandon the BJP and form a government with the opposition?
NDA may make the government but Nitish’s Party can become the deciding factor. Nitish Kumar is emerging as the biggest victor of these Lok Sabha elections, with both the NDA and INDI alliances giving neck-and-neck competition. Nitish Kumar’s party may become powerful enough to decide the government.
The Chief Minister of Bihar, has indeed been associated with various political coalitions over the years. Like, in 2015, Nitish Kumar left the NDA alliance and formed the Mahagathbandhan with the RJD, subsequently forming the government in Bihar and becoming the Chief Minister.
National Democratic Alliance (NDA), led by the BJP, is clearly forming a coalition with the JDU. Nitish Kumar’s ability to navigate alliances and secure a strong position remains a key factor in Bihar’s political landscape. With JDU being the majority party in Bihar in the alliance, Nitish Kumar may have the opportunity to demand certain ministries within the NDA government or may change the coalition.
This shows Nitish Kumar’s party could be crucial in determining the government formation. Remember that Bihar contributes 40 Lok Sabha seats, making it a critical battleground for political parties. The final results will determine the composition of the central government in India.
BJP’s Utilization of Bihar’s Political Landscape
The BJP, unlike in Uttar Pradesh, has not provided Bihar with a strong personality or leadership. Instead, it has strategically utilized Bihar’s seats to secure electoral victories and form majority governments. Despite Nitish Kumar’s lackluster performance in Bihar’s development, the BJP has repeatedly allied with him, signaling a disregard for Bihar’s progress. Kumar’s tendency to shift alliances without a clear motive adds to the political uncertainty in the state.
Developmental Standstill
Despite holding power in Bihar for multiple terms, Nitish Kumar has failed to translate his leadership into tangible developmental outcomes. Bihar lags behind in critical areas such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure. Persistent challenges like poverty, unemployment, and inadequate public services persist, highlighting Kumar’s inability to drive substantive change.
Nitish Kumar’s victory is overshadowed by his coalition with the BJP. NDA may still gather sufficient backing to secure election victories, the BJP’s influence within this coalition is diminishing. The alliance has failed to facilitate meaningful progress, leaving Bihar grappling with pressing issues.