JDU’s elephant move on the Bihar political chessboard has stirred NDA politics. The demand is such that it signals a potential upheaval. Sources suggest that JDU’s new claim is also likely to shake the BJP leadership. After everything that has been smooth sailing until now, JDU’s demand has now sown the seeds of conflict within NDA politics. What happened during the JDU legislative meeting that sparked intense debate within the BJP leadership? What exactly will JDU’s demand take away from the BJP?
It was previously reported that the JDU leadership had demanded two deputy chief ministers, along with other demands. Initially, it was speculated that existing portfolios would be exchanged. BJP would be given JDU-related portfolios, and JDU would be given BJP-related portfolios. However, this demand was shelved. Following this unprecedented demand, the JDU has demanded more ministers. This demand was made during a JDU legislative party meeting, in the presence of JDU National President Nitish Kumar. Significantly, this was revealed after the JDU meeting held in Patna on April 20th, following a statement by Shravan Kumar, a former minister and close associate of Nitish Kumar.
Shravan Kumar, a former minister in the Bihar government, made a significant statement regarding the cabinet expansion. He clearly stated that more ministers will be appointed from the JDU quota in this government than in the previous one. This demand was also met with JDU assurances from Nitish Kumar. Within the BJP, questions remain about the number of ministers as well as the portfolios. Now, it is unclear which portfolios the JDU is eyeing. This revelation is likely to spark a new controversy.
The Janata Dal (United) is also eyeing the post of Assembly Speaker. Using this position as a political advantage, the JDU hopes to implement its future strategy. Currently, the BJP has laid the foundation for caste balance by appointing Prem Kumar as Assembly Speaker.
The JDU party will now adopt an aggressive stance, rather than a defensive one, to try to secure its demands.
The JDU is attempting to pressure the BJP by making the post of Bihar Assembly Speaker a prestige issue.
The JDU wants to maintain its upper hand in the list of 33 potential ministers.
Prem Kumar belongs to the Extremely Backward Caste (EBC). This extremely backward caste vote is the BJP’s target vote. Therefore, Prem Kumar’s adjustment could pose a significant challenge for the BJP leadership. He is an experienced, senior, and a leader who built the BJP’s base. His adjustment poses a new challenge on the platform of caste appeasement.
After the JDU legislative party meeting, an unexplained fear has gripped BJP strategists. This is especially true because Nitish Kumar was present at Monday’s legislative party meeting, which has stirred political circles. Therefore, if Nitish Kumar becomes serious about this demand, the BJP will have to give more portfolios and the post of Assembly Speaker to the JDU.
BJP strategists have seen that Nitish Kumar’s choice for the CM post has been endorsed by not only 85 JDU MLAs but also 89 BJP MLAs. If Nitish Kumar insists on the Speaker’s post or some other portfolio, the BJP will face a new embarrassment.