Sir — This refers to the editorial, “Nitish Kumar’s wapsi” (July 28). The sudden turn of events in Bihar politics has been along expected lines. Recent meetings between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Nitish Kumar were an indication that the JD(U) leader was sure to shift base. And it happened. While forming the mahagathbandhan, he was well aware of lalu Prasad and the RJD’s reputation. Despite that, he forged an alliance and aligned with the RJD after leaving the BJP, with which party he had a long association with.
He had hoped against hope that the new alliance would work. It worked only half-way. He could not muster more seats than the RJD in the Assembly election. His Government was formed but the pressure from the RJD was intolerable. Add to it, the Central probe agencies’ raids over lalu Prasad and his family members, and the alliance with lalu Prasad became untenable.
Now that Nitish Kumar has formed a Government in Bihar in association with the BJP, he is expected to govern with stability. Yet, it must be said that his has been a case of political opportunism. It is an assault on the democratic machinery. Resigning in the evening and taking over charge again the following morning with BJP support, is nothing but a mockery of the people’s mandate.