Assertive Nitish seeks to paper over JD(U) faultlines
The Hindu
BJP’s move to induct only R.C.P. Singh into Union cabinet has upset the power dynamics in the party
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, who this week joined the Opposition in demanding a probe into the Pegasus snooping row and a caste-based census in the State, has appeared combative against the BJP, an alliance partner at the Center and in the State. While Mr. Kumar’s demands have led to raised eyebrows and some consternation in the BJP, political observers trace the change to recent developments in his party, the JD(U). They point out that soon after his former party president and close aide R.C.P. Singh took oath as Minister of Steel after the reshuffle of the Union Council of Ministers, Mr. Kumar replaced Mr. Singh from the party post and started making statements on issues challenging the Central government. Political sources in Bihar say Mr. R.C.P. Singh took oath as Minister without the approval of his party leader Mr. Kumar, who had insisted on his earlier demand for two or more cabinet berths at the Centre. In May 2019, Mr. Kumar had refused to join PM Modi’s cabinet, saying his party wanted to have “proportional representation, instead of symbolic one”.More Related News