Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge hasn’t got through to Nitish so far, says Cong.

Congress attempts to reach out to Nitish Kumar amid indications of his return to the BJP-led NDA.

The Congress said on January 27 that party president Mallikarjun Kharge has made several attempts to reach out to Janata Dal (United) president and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar but hasn’t been able to speak so far, amid strong indications that the latter will rejoin the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA).

Amid the political uncertainty, Mr. Kharge appointed senior leader and former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel as a senior observer to monitor the situation as well as coordinate the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, which will enter Bihar on January 29.

Addressing a press conference at the All India Congress Committee (AICC) headquarters in Delhi, Congress communications chief Jairam Ramesh insisted that the Indian National Developmental, Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) is not imploding even though he accused the BJP of attempting to cause “mini-implosions” in the bloc. He described Mr. Kumar as one of the architects of the INDIA bloc along with West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee.

“Khargeji tried to reach him [Mr. Kumar]. His office called back but they couldn’t speak because of their preoccupation,” Mr. Ramesh told reporters.

Asked about his possible exit, the Congress communications chief quoted verses from the Bhagavad Gita but evaded a direct response. His colleague, AICC’s Bihar in-charge Mohan Prakash, however claimed that the people of Bihar wouldn’t appreciate another switch. “My best wishes to Nitish Kumarji but I want to reiterate that this time the people of Bihar probably may not consider this step appropriate,” he said.

Speaking to reporters in Karnataka’s Kalaburagi, Mr. Kharge added that he did not not have authentic information about Mr. Kumar’s impending resignation as Chief Minister of the JD(U)-Rashtriya Janata Dal-Congress grand alliance and return to the NDA fold.

“Let us see what will happen, our effort is to unite everyone. I have spoken with Mamata Banerjee, [RJD chief] Lalu Prasad, and [CPI(M) leader] Sitaram Yechury. If we unite, we will give a good fight, and the INDIA alliance will be a success. Those who are interested in saving democracy will not change their minds and will stay with us,” the Congress president said.