NITISH KUMAR’S NEXT MOVE: CHAIR OR SACRIFICE

23-JULY-ENG 3

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

PATNA------------------------The biggest puzzle of Bihar politics, Nitish Kumar, is once again standing at the most crucial juncture of his career. He is not called 'Paltu Ram' for nothing, because no one knows when his political move will turn around. But this time the matter is different. The question is arising whether Nitish Kumar will stick to the chair of Chief Minister of Bihar or will go to the central politics and play a big role? The whole of Bihar is watching with rapt attention in this confusion.

For Nitish Kumar, the chair of the Chief Minister is not just a post, but his political identity. After ruling Bihar for so many years, he would not want to give up his legacy so easily. His party, JDU, may have weakened, but being the Chief Minister keeps his strength and relevance intact. He may be in the role of number two in the alliance with BJP, but the power is in his hands.

Many people believe that Nitish Kumar is under pressure to leave his chair. BJP wants to increase its power in Bihar and wants one of its leaders to occupy the seat of Chief Minister. In such a situation, Nitish Kumar can be removed from politics in a 'respectable' way by offering him a big constitutional post like Vice President. This can also be a good opportunity for him, because this can wash away the stains on his 'Paltu Ram' image to some extent and he can be established as a national leader.

Everyone in the political corridors wants to know what will be Nitish Kumar's next step. Will he again do a 'turnaround' as per his old habit and give a shock to BJP? Or will he make a 'respectable' sacrifice by accepting a post like Vice President considering his age and health? This decision will not only be of Nitish Kumar, but will also decide the direction of Bihar's future politics.