Opposition parties on Tuesday said the JD(U) breaking ranks with the BJP is a "strong indictment" of the saffron party's "politics of intimidation" and shows a change in Indian politics.
From Congress to Samajwadi Party, DMK to the Left parties all have welcomed Nitish’s decision to part ways with the NDA and viewed this as a shot in the arm for the efforts to forge a grand Opposition unity to take on the might of Narendra Modi in the General elections 2024.
Shiv Sena leader Priyanka Chaturvedi said Nitish Kumar's political career has been spotless as far as allegations of corruption are concerned, but one thing that goes against him is the number of times he has changed political allies. "Nitish Kumar has been an ally who keeps changing his mind often. This is one thing that goes against him, the dependability factor," said Chaturvedi, a Rajya Sabha member.
She pointed out that Uddhav Thackeray too had stood against the BJP firmly and run a clean administration during his tenure as chief minister, particularly in the time of Covid-19 pandemic. "There are worthy opposition leaders and it has to be seen in 2024 how things will shape up," Chaturvedi said. “Nitish Kumar breaking alliance with BJP is a strong indictment of the politics of intimidation practiced by BJP. BJP's authoritarianism leaves no scope for cooperation. After Akalis and Shiv Sena, JD(U) is the latest example. Cracks are visible in the relationship of BJP and AIADMK too," CPI general secretary D Raja said.
CPI MP Binoy Viswam said the events in Bihar indicate that a change is underway. "Bihar conveys the message of far reaching change in Indian politics. Its final outcome depends on the level of insight expected from the important players. The left will definitely play the responsible role in its consistent fight against RSS-BJP (sic)," said Viswam in a tweet.
Former Uttar Pradesh CM and SP president Akhilesh Yadav welcomed Nitish Kumar's decision to walkout of the BJP alliance, calling it a "good beginning". "He is a leader with vast experience. What could be said about him. He knows Bihar and the arithmetic of Bihar politics better," said Akhilesh.
On talks in political circles that Nitish Kumar could be the opposition face in the 2024 general election, SP's chief spokesperson Rajendra Chaudhary said Nitish is our old partner and we have worked together since the days of the Lok Dal.
This is not the time to discuss the prime ministerial candidate." DMK and Tamil Nadu Chief minister M K Stalin's vision to fight the BJP at the national level has gained momentum with Nitish Kumar's JD(U) pulling out of the National Democratic Alliance in Bihar.
To take on the BJP at the Centre, DMK organisation secretary R S Bharathi said that his party president M K Stalinhad batted for opposition parties to join hands, well ahead of the Presidential election held last month.
This vision of his party chief to fight the BJP nationally, has now gained momentum and it would pick up more traction ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha election, Bharathi added.
While RJD leader and a former close aide of Nitish Kumar, Sharad Yadav also said that Kumar could be a prime ministerial candidate for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, NCP leader Majeed Memon said Nitish Kumar could be one of the few people, including Sharad Pawar and Mamata Banerjee, who could be seen as prime ministerial challengers in 2024.