Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s decision to file nomination papers for the Rajya Sabha has sent shockwaves through Bihar’s always volatile political circles. The opposition parties and the media have rushed to declare it a ‘coup’ by the BJP to install its own candidate in the top position. They are not willing to accept the perfectly valid ‘health’ reason given by Kumar for the decision. Anybody who has been witness to his physical condition in the past months would be aware that he is having difficulties in keeping up with the demands of office.
Ironically, those most concerned about his ‘removal’ are his political rivals, who are now expressing sympathy at his ‘predicament’, forgetting that during his many years in politics he has always outmaneuvered them with exactly such unpredictable moves. It can only be conjectured that this is all part of inducting his son, Nishant Kumar, into politics and power. The deal very likely is handing over the top job to the BJP in exchange for Nishant being made a Deputy CM. This would certainly satisfy all parties that make up the ruling coalition, as it would maintain a balance of power in totality.
Those opposing the move are ostensibly concerned about the future of Nitish’s JD(U), claiming that the BJP has traditionally ‘wiped out’ regional allies over the years. The Akali Dal, Shiv Sena, AIADMK, PDP, etc. are being cited in this regard. However, it must not be forgotten that these parties were undone more by the miscalculations of their leaders’ excessive ambitions rather than any politics played by the BJP.
If there is to be a generational shift within the JD(U), there is no better time than now. The ruling NDA is comfortably ensconced in power with a substantial term ahead. Nishant Kumar will have ample time to learn on the job and prove his worth. This is unlike, for instance, Rahul Gandhi who refused to take any ‘subordinate’ responsibility during UPA’s years in power. At the same time, Nitish Kumar’s presence in the Rajya Sabha will be an asset for the Modi Government.
The move also is an acknowledgement of the fact that the BJP has the most number of seats in the Vidhan Sabha. Its support base cannot be permanently sidelined for the sake of coalition politics. That also needs to be acknowledged if there is to be a fair and workable alliance in the long term. Of course, in all of this, the unpredictability of Nitish Kumar remains a factor, and the present drama will have to play out before any final conclusions can be arrived at. After all it is not without reason that from ‘Sushasan Babu’, he came to be known as ‘Paltu Ram’.
