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Vijay Kumar Sinha’s remarks at Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s birth anniversary sparked political tension, challenging Nitish Kumar’s leadership.
Bihar Deputy CM Vijay Kumar Sinha (PTI Photo)
Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha has stirred a political storm in the state, adding fuel to the already heated political environment. Speaking at the 100th birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee on Wednesday, December 25, Sinha said that until the BJP formed its own government in Bihar, a true tribute to the ex-PM would not be possible.
“BJP workers have rid Bihar of those who tarnished its image, but the mission is not yet complete. Only when BJP has its own government will Atal ji receive the true honour he deserves. Even today, the people of ‘Jungle Raj’ are attempting to disrupt the state’s social harmony,” he stated.
Just a day before Sinha’s statement, Bihar BJP President Dilip Jaiswal had made a public declaration in Delhi, stating that the upcoming Bihar assembly elections would be contested under the leadership of Nitish Kumar. Sinha’s comments, made within 24 hours, sparked a rift within the BJP and also caused a stir in the JD(U) camp.
While Sinha’s comments clearly alluded to the rule of Lalu Prasad Yadav and the period often referred to as “Jungle Raj”, the Deputy CM seemed to have overlooked the pivotal role of Nitish Kumar, especially in his capacity as a leader within the NDA (National Democratic Alliance). By focusing on the past struggles during the RJD era, Sinha failed to acknowledge the political trajectory and challenges that Nitish Kumar has faced over the past two decades.
However, in an attempt to clarify his stance, Sinha quickly issued a follow-up statement, where he praised Nitish Kumar, saying, “Nitish Kumar was Atal ji’s favoured leader, entrusted with the responsibility of ending Jungle Raj in Bihar. He freed Bihar from the clutches of Jungle Raj.”
However, the political climate in the state has been increasingly charged, with speculation surrounding the future leadership in Bihar’s government. The absence of BJP leaders during Nitish Kumar’s “Pragati Yatra” became a talking point for the opposition, with figures like Tejashwi Yadav openly accusing the state government of being run not by Nitish Kumar but by a handful of officers under the influence of Delhi. Although two BJP ministers attended the Yatra in West Champaran, the lack of warmth between the two parties was palpable.
This growing unease was further highlighted by Union Minister of State for Home Affairs, Nityanand Rai, who recently reaffirmed that the NDA in Bihar will contest the 2025 elections under Nitish Kumar’s leadership. This declaration is in direct contrast to Sinha’s recent remarks, and it raises questions about the cohesion of the alliance. The growing public discourse hints at the possibility of underlying fractures between the BJP and JD(U), even as both parties continue to emphasise their unity in public.
Meanwhile, JD(U) has been actively posting messages of solidarity within the NDA. On the official X (formerly Twitter) handle, JD(U) shared a picture of Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Nitish Kumar, with the caption, “United NDA, United Bihar, Nitish Kumar again in 2025.”
Despite these public displays of unity, the conflicting statements from top leaders indicate that all may not be well within the NDA coalition in Bihar. As tensions simmer, all eyes will be on how the BJP and JD(U) navigate this delicate situation ahead of the 2025 state elections.
