Bihar political crisis highlights: Nitish Kumar's decision to join NDA may split JD(U) as Sharad Yadav calls for meeting

Nitish Kumar leaves from Bihar Assembly after winning trust vote

Patna: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar leaves from Bihar Assembly after winning the #floortest. pic.twitter.com/Ch1rYqkIqt

— ANI (@ANI) July 28, 2017

At least 10 RJD MLAs would have voted for us if there was secret ballot: Sushil Modi

“An unnatural alliance died natural death,” Sushil Modi said as he lauded Nitish for not ‘bending the knee’ to keep the alliance alive. He said that the RJD was seeking vote through secret ballot but if that would have happened “then at least 10-12 people from RJD would have crossed over to our side,” Modi said.

JD(U) MLAs celebrate outside Assembly

Mandate mahagathbandhan ko tha, aaj us mandate ko BJP aur Nitish Kumar ne apmaanit karne ka kaam kiya hai: Tejashwi Yadav pic.twitter.com/YE8koZX3Tq

— ANI (@ANI) July 28, 2017

People of Bihar will teach them a lesson; when they couldn't answer my questions in assembly, then how will they answer the people?:Tejashwi pic.twitter.com/1057HXIRUJ

— ANI (@ANI) July 28, 2017

Tejashwi Yadav questions Nitish Modi’s intention, says Sushil Modi too has FIR against him

Tejashwi said that the people of the Bihar are feeling cheated, adding that RJD will take the fight to every village. He said, “I asked many questions to the CM but he had no answers. Will he now pass a law with the BJP that every person who has an FIR should resign from public office? Will he bring liquor ban across the nation” Tejashwi asked. He said that Sushil Modi too had a case against him, how is it that he is fit to be deputy chief minister in Nitish’s eye then.

Tejashwi was just an excuse, Nitish plotted to bring down government: Tejashwi Yadav

Bihar had to see four governments in four years, only because of one man: Tejashwi Yadav

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Tejashwi Yadav blamed Nitish Kumar for bringing insatbility to Bihar. He said that if Nitish had to make the government with BJP’s support why did he waste so much time and public funds on election.

Nitish Kumar did all the drama to sit in the lap of RSS-BJP: Tejashwi Yadav

Bihar’s people feel cheated; Nitish has hurt everyone: Tejashwi Yadav after Nitish wins trust vote

Sushil Modi thanks RJD, Congress for making him Dy CM

“I should ththankful to RJD and Congress. I wouldn’t have been here if Tejashwi Yadv would have resigned. The mandate was not for corruption and building 26 benami properties in 26 years.” said Sushil Kumar Modi.

Nitish Kumar wins trust vote, gets 131 votes against 108

Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar won the trust vote with the support of 131 MLAs against Opposition’s 108 votes. 122 votes were needed to cross the half-way mark in the 243-member Assembly.

Bihar trust to vote take place through division of vote

Decided to quit in interest of Bihar; mandate was to serve  people not one family

“My decision to quit was taken in the interest of Bihar. We had the mandate to serve the people, not one particular family,” Nitish said.

Secularism no justification for corruption: Nitish Kumar

Secularism should not be used to justify corruption. Won't support people who make money through wrong ways says Nitish Kumar in assembly

— ANI (@ANI) July 28, 2017

Congress would not have got 15 seats; I gave them 40: Nitish Kumar

Not sparing the ertwhile junior partner in alliance, Nitish Kumar said that given the Congress’ party’s situation in the country, they would not have had got 15 seats in any coallition. “I gave them 40 seats,” Nitish said.

Power given to serve people, not to amass wealth: Nitish Kumar’s barbs on RJD corruption charges

After Tejashwi Yadav’s livid speech, Nitish Kumar rose to address the House. He said that he tried very hard to run a government but RJD never followed the coallition dharma. 

“They protected Shahabuddin, the never explained corruption cases agaist them. The coallition broke because of their corruption not because of me,” Nitish said.

Nitish Kumar addresses House, promises point by point rebuttal of all accusations

Meanwhile… Nitish Kumar maintains calm

From a saap (snake) to dhokebaaz (deciever), Nitish Kumar has been called names and taunted for his political volte-face by the Opposition. However, the Bihar Chief Minister has maintained his calm, without showing any signs of retort. Nitish is known to speak with carefully chosen words and avoid making personal attacks.

BJP’s Nand Kishore Yadav hits back at Tejashwi, tells him his post a byproduct of dynasty politics

Hitting back at Tejashwi Yadav, Yadav reminded Tejashwi that he was not the deputy chief minister due to his calibre, but due to Lalu’s ‘putra moh’. 

“If Lalu Prasad didn’t have ‘putra moh’, Abdul Bari Siddiqui would have been Bihar deputy chief minister,” Yadav said.

You conduct ‘Champaran Yatra’ and then sit in the lap of Mahatma Gandhi’s killers: Tejashwi Yadav

QuoteUnquote

#LIVE -- Nitish Kumar is still my uncle, but he betrayed me. If Nitish had asked me to resign, I would have thought of it: Tejashwi Yadav pic.twitter.com/EDvnjtOOlY

— News18 (@CNNnews18) July 28, 2017

Nitish Kumar should feel ashamed that he is sitting near Sushil Modi, says Tejashwi Yadav

RJD calls Nitish RSS’s chief minister

“He cheated and betrayed the people of the state who gave him massive mandate. He played dirty politics. He just looked for an excuse to defame us and join the NDA”, Tejashwi Yadav said before entering the House.

“Everyone can see how he switched sides. Earlier he used to speak of Sangh-mukt Bharat and now he is the chief minister of the Sangh. He has changed his stand from ‘Hey Ram’ to ‘Jai Shri Ram’.” He also told reporters that he would raise the issue inside the House. He accused the BJP of corruption charges.

Tejashwi Yadav concludes 41-minute-long charged speech, BJP’s Nand Kishore Yadav to hit back next

Sushil Kumar Modi too is facing cases, why did Nitish side with him: Tejashwi Yadav

Floor test begins in Bihar Assembly

Floor test begins in Bihar Assembly

Tejashwi Yadav questions timing of Modi’s tweet, alleges Nitish used him as pawn

Tejashwi Yadav alleged that Nitish Kumar was in cahoots with the BJP since months while he was only used as a pawn and an excuse to justify the flip-flop. He said that how was it possible that Narendra Modi tweeted so quickly when the prime minister doesn’t seem to be so quick in responding to other political matters. 

Everything was completely planned; the way #NitishKumar gave resignation is saddening says Tejashwi Yadav in the #Bihar assembly #Floortest

— ANI (@ANI) July 28, 2017

Could have considered resigning if Nitish Kumar would have asked: Tejashwi

Tejashwi Yadav is taking on Nitish Kumar in the Bihar Assembly ahead of the floor test.

“Nitish is still my uncle. I would have even considered resigning if he would have asked. But he had preplanned everything and was just waiting to betray us,” Tejashwi said.

Ruckus in Bihar Assembly

#LIVE -- Both sides are shouting at each other in Bihar Assembly after Tejashwi tells BJP’s Sushil Modi to be “ashamed” of what he has done

— News18 (@CNNnews18) July 28, 2017

Nitish got less seats than us and lost 2014 elections badly, where was his image then, asks Tejashwi

#LIVE -- Nitish fought alone in 1995 and got seven seats. In 2014, he was reduced to two seats, where was his image then?: Tejashwi Yadav pic.twitter.com/txso5mVmD6

— News18 (@CNNnews18) July 28, 2017

People have  suffered greatly under Nitish: Tejashwi

Firing fresh salvos at his erstwhile ally and Bihar CM Nitish Kumar, Tejashwi Yadav today claimed that people hav suffered greatly under Nitish Raj. He said that Nitish couldn’t dare to sack me even with a ‘greedy BJP’ behind him. 

#Bihar floor test: RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav says in the assembly "People of Bihar have suffered immensely"

— ANI (@ANI) July 28, 2017

Tejashwi Yadav seeks 40 minutes in Assembly to speak

Ruckus inside Bihar assembly after a livid Tejashwi says Nitish should be ashamed : CNN-News 18

Bihar Assembly Speaker bars live broadcast of trust vote

RJD demands a secret ballot amid calls for vote of conscience by both camps

Game of Numbers
 

• Total Strength of Bihar Assembly : 243
• Half-way Mark : 122
• JD(U) : 71
• NDA : 58
• RJD : 80 
• ​Congress : 27

While JD(U)+NDA is expected to sail through the trust vote as they claim to have the support of 132 MLAs, discontent among JD(U) cannot be ruled out. RJD has also appealed to the Muslim and Yadav MLAs from BJP and JD(U) to vote listening to the call of their conscience. The party has warned the NDA of a stormy Assembly session, claiming that they won’t let a governent that had ‘murdered the mandate’ function in the House.

Patna HC to hear RJD’s plea against Nitish trust vote on Monday

Tejashwi Yadav reaches Bihar Assembly

Patna: Tejashwi Yadav outside #Bihar assembly ahead of CM #NitishKumar's floor test. pic.twitter.com/RkwT3bECIc

— ANI (@ANI) July 28, 2017

Nitish Kumar turned out to be a snake: Tejashwi Yadav

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Former Bihar deputy chief minister Tejashwi Yadav today hit out at Nitish Kumar calling him a snake who betrayed his party’s trust and used them to gain power. RJD MLAs also held protests outside the Vidhansabha, with placards reading “Murderers of democracy”. 

Meanwhile, Nitish Kumar and Sushil Modi also reached the Assembly, who were booed at by the Opposition MLAs.

Lalu Yadav in touch with BJP JD(U) dissenters, spoke to Sharad Yadav yesterday, claims RJD

RJD has appealed to the Muslim and Yadav MLAs from BJP and JD(U) to vote listening to the call of their conscience. The party has warned the NDA of a stormy Assembly session, claiming that they won’t let a governent that had ‘murdered the mandate’ function in the House.

In Pictures: Bihar Opposition MLAs protesting outside Bihar Assembly

Patna: RJD MLAs protest outside #Bihar assembly ahead of CM #NitishKumar's floor test. pic.twitter.com/wJGCOHDvxQ

— ANI (@ANI) July 28, 2017

Sushil Modi reaches Vidhan Sabha, quashes RJD claims that BJP MLAs may cross-vote

Deputy CM Sushil Modi reaches #Bihar assembly ahead of the floor test. pic.twitter.com/AWARme3vWG

— ANI (@ANI) July 28, 2017

RJD, Congress MLAs protest ‘murder of mandate’ outside Bihar Assembly

Nitish Kumar reaches Bihar Assembly ahead of floor test

Patna: CM #NitishKumar reaches #Bihar assembly ahead of the floor test. pic.twitter.com/GA1FYxGG8U

— ANI (@ANI) July 28, 2017

The story of Bihar so far

– Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar will take the floor test today at 11 am.

– The ‘reunited’ NDA claims to have the support of 132 legislators in the 243-member assembly. Nitish Kumar needs 122 votes to win today’s trust vote.

–  Unrest boils in JD(U) ranks with several leaders openly declaring discontent over Nitish’s decision to join forces with ‘communal BJP.

–  Sharad Yadav reportedly unhappy with Nitish’s decision. He met Rahul Gandhi on Thursday and met JD(U) leaders, reportedly unhappy with the new alliance. 

–  News reports say that dissent within Congress is brewing as local leaders blame Rahul Gandhi for not doing enough. Several MLAs may cross-vote in favour of Nitish.

–  JD(U) declares support for Opposition’s vice-presidential candidate Gopalkrishna Gandhi despite joining hands with NDA

Game of numbers: JD(U) may get boost from Congress defectors

Amid reports of widespread resentment in Bihar Congress, CNN-News18 reported that several Congress MLAs may vote for JD(U).

The RJD too, on the other claimed support of Left MLAs and independents. Moreover, the party is also “banking on conscience vote of six Muslim and 11 Yadav MLAs within the JD(U),”  Hindustan Times  reported.

In-post Vajpayee BJP, will Bihar CM be able to blend in with Narendra Modi’s ideology?

After days of speculations, JD(U) chief Nitish Kumar has embraced the once estranged ally BJP, marking his Ghar Vapasi to NDA. 

The secular image which he has fostered through the months might not resonate with the Modi and Amit Shah-led BJP. By jumping on the BJP bandwagon yet again and breaking an alliance which was considered as a marriage of equals, Nitish will now have to play second-fiddle to the BJP and demonstrate a greater readiness to accept its terms and conditions than he did before.

10 Bihar Congress MLAs may join JD(U): Reports

Bihar Congress MLAs are in huddle ahead of Nitish Kumar’s floor test in Assembly. Media reports suggest that as many as 10 MLAs may defect to the JD(U) amid growing resentment against the Congress top leadership, India Today reported. CNN-News 18 quoted sources claiming that several Congress MLAs could vote in favour of the new NDA government. 

Apparently, the widespread sentiment amid party’s local leaders is that the central leadership didn’t do enough to save the alliance even though it had ample opportunities.

Despite realigned friendships, Nitish Kumar to vote for Gopalkrishna Gandhi, not Venkaiah Naidu in V-P polls

Predictability definitely doesn’t seem to be a characteristics of Nitish’s political decisions.

Back-stabber, cheater, crooked politician, opportunist, Bhasmasur: These were all monikers awarded to Nitish Kumar by frenemies, who he recently dumped to join NDA. 

However, in a surprise move, Nitish has announced that he will keep his word on supporting Opposition vice-presidential candidate Gopalkrishna Gandhi and not NDA’s Venkaiah Naidu. The move seems to be aimed at dampening Opposition’s ‘opportunist’ label on himself, as Kumar seeks to convey that he indeed listens to his conscience voice in decission making.

Nitish Kumar lags behind BJP, RJD in electoral appeal; this time  

Nitish Kumar, the Chief Minister of Bihar, is a very popular leader in that state. Do actual voters in Bihar think the same? Not according to our analysis. JD(U) has only been above the Congress in electoral popularity.

According to vote share BJP has been the state’s most popular party and no more than 17 voters chose to vote only for JD(U), according to IndiaSpend  analysis of electoral results over six elections since 2004.

Nitish Kumar’s JD(U) to support Oppn candidate Gopalkrishna Gandhi

#BREAKING -- JDU to back opposition's Vice-Presidential candidate. Nitish Kumar to Gopal Gandhi for Vice President post. pic.twitter.com/HIep7XL7EH

— News18 (@CNNnews18) July 28, 2017

Nitish Kumar to face trust vote at 11 am

Nitish needs support of 122 members for majority

In the 243-member Assembly, Nitish Kumar needs the support of 122 members for a majority. The Chief Minister’s party has 71 legislators, the BJP 53. BJP allies have 5 seats — Ram Vilas Paswan’s LJP has 2 seats,  RLSP has 2 seats and HAM has 1. There are 4 Independents and 4 CPI-ML lawmakers. Between them, the RJD and Congress have 107 seats.

RECAP 

BJP-JD(U) alliance had taken Bihar to new heights: Sushil Modi

Sushil Kumar Modi took oath as the deputy chief minister, the post he occupied before Nitish Kumar ended their alliance in 2013. “The JD(U)-BJP alliance had earlier taken Bihar to new heights… At the time, people used to take pride in saying ‘I am a Bihari’. In the last 20 months something went wrong. But now the JD(U)-BJP alliance will again take Bihar to newer heights,” the deputy chief minister said.

Kerala JD(U) members oppose Nitish joining BJP

The Janata Dal(United)(JD(U) unit in Kerala on Thursday opposed Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar for tying up with the BJP and announced it was severing ties with him. The chief of the party’s Kerala unit, MP Veerendra Kumar, a Rajya Sabha member, told reporters in Delhi that he was even ready to quit the Upper House to pursue his fight against “fascist forces”.

“Whatever the price, we’re ready to pay,” he said. 

“We are not accepting the JD(U) joining the NDA and our relations with Nitish Kumar have ended. It’s shocking that Nitish Kumar has joined the NDA. We all thought that he will fight the fascist tendencies but he has now become a part of it.”

Veerendra Kumar said he expected JD-U senior leader Sharad Yadav and its MLAs in Bihar not to accept Nitish Kumar’s decision. “I call upon Sharad Yadav and JD-U MLAs to say that we won’t accept it.”

Every few years #NitishKumar takes oath as CM from different alliances.Quite a record.Straightforward political opportunism: Sitaram Yechury pic.twitter.com/suV5xq5dKg

— ANI (@ANI) July 27, 2017

Updates for 28 July, 2017 begin

Maharashtra JD (U) leader Kapil Patil expresses discontent over Nitish Kumar’s decision to join NDA

Maharashtra JDU Chief& MLC Kapil Patil upset with Nitish Kumar's decision. Patil says will decide future course of action in party meet soon pic.twitter.com/Dj3fqYVO6z

— ANI (@ANI) July 27, 2017

Sushil Modi will travel to Delhi after floor test

Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Modi will travel to Delhi after the floor test, reports CNN News18. Modi will decide the names of ministers in the Bihar Legislative Assembly with central leaders. The floor test will be held on Friday at 11 am.

JUST IN -- Sushil Modi to travel to Delhi after the floor test for deciding the name of ministers with central leaders, reports @maryashakil pic.twitter.com/H7cq33scnX

— News18 (@CNNnews18) July 27, 2017

Nitish Kumar’s homecoming is BJP’s loss; may arrest Narendra Modi-Amit Shah onward march in Bihar

The return of Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar to the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) fold will strengthen, in every likelihood, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s campaign for a renewed mandate in the 2019 General Elections to Lok Sabha. However, in the process, Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will have to pay a price for Nitish’s return. Its onward march in Bihar is going to be arrested, thereby impacting its long-term prospects in one of the more politically significant states of the country.

Full analysis here

Meanwhile, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is scrutinizing documents given to it by the railway department in relation to the raids at Lalu Prasad’s properties and hotels

CBI is scrutinizing documents provided to it by railway department in Lalu Yadav railway hotel tender matter: Sources

— ANI (@ANI) July 27, 2017

Sitaram Yechury takes a jab at Nitish Kumar yet again

CPI Secretary General Sitaram Yechury calls Nitish Kumar’s shift to NDA “straightforward political opportunism,” adding that the JD (U) leader has a record of taking oath from different alliances. Earlier on Wednesday, Yechury had tweeted that rather than the Bihar chief minister’s resignation, India’s focus should be on atrocities against Dalits and minorities are rising across India. 

Every few years #NitishKumar takes oath as CM from different alliances.Quite a record.Straightforward political opportunism: Sitaram Yechury pic.twitter.com/suV5xq5dKg

— ANI (@ANI) July 27, 2017

A point to ponder. Bihar CM's resignation at this moment, when atrocities against Dalits and minorities are rising across India, helps whom?

— Sitaram Yechury (@SitaramYechury) July 26, 2017

BJP leader Dharmendra Pradhan congratulates Nitish Kumar and Sushil Kumar Modi

Minister of State (Independent Charge) Petroleum and Natural Gas Dharmendra Pradhan congratulated the Bihar chief minister, adding that the petroleum ministry is “fully committed” to complete projects the ‘Bihar Package’ announced by Narendra Modi

Spoke to Shri @NitishKumar ji & Shri @SushilModi ji over phone & congratulated them for taking oath as CM & Dy CM of Bihar respectively. pic.twitter.com/ZyKtyIUPmZ

— Dharmendra Pradhan (@dpradhanbjp) July 27, 2017

As reiterated by Hon'ble PM, Central Govt is fully committed to work together with @NitishKumar ji for the Development of Bihar & its people

— Dharmendra Pradhan (@dpradhanbjp) July 27, 2017

Petroleum Ministry is fully committed to complete projects worth Rs. 21,476 Crores, covered under 'Bihar Package' announced by Hon'ble PM.

— Dharmendra Pradhan (@dpradhanbjp) July 27, 2017

Ali Anwar expresses shock over Nitish’s decisiont to leave grand alliance  

JD (U) MP Ali Anwar expresses his shock over the latest developments in Bihar. According to CNN News18, Anwar claims that even Sharad Yadav was not consulted before Nitish decided to leave the Mahagathbandhan. “We never expected this from Nitish Kumar,” he added. 

We including Sharad ji had no idea that such a big development would happen overnight. We are surprised: Ali Anwar,JDU pic.twitter.com/Vl9xnLQrBK

— ANI (@ANI) July 27, 2017

Sharad Yadav might meet senior leaders of all national parties, JD (U) leader Arun Kumar tells ANI 

Sharad ji is concerned over Nitish Kumar's decision.In 1-2 days Sharad ji will talk to senior leaders of all national parties-Arun Kumar,JDU pic.twitter.com/B479rGbL9P

— ANI (@ANI) July 27, 2017

JDU MP Arun Sinha speaks out against Nitish Kumar but says that there will be no rebellion within the party

#NitishGharWapsi -- This was Nitish's personal decision; we will maintain democracy in party, no rebellion in party: JDU MP Arun Sinha pic.twitter.com/emejlK7mV5

— News18 (@CNNnews18) July 27, 2017

It is a historic opportunity for Bihar, tweets Sushil Modi

बिहार के लिए यह ऐतिहासिक अवसर है, जब 37 साल बाद केंद्र और राज्य में एक ही गठबंधन की सरकार होगी। परस्पर सहयोग से हम हर क्षेत्र में विकास 2/n

— Sushil Kumar Modi (@SushilModi) July 27, 2017

2/2..को नई रफ्तार देंगे। 11 करोड़ जनता के लिए अच्छे दिनों की शुरुआत होगी अब।

— Sushil Kumar Modi (@SushilModi) July 27, 2017

Here’s how our political community responded to Nitish joining BJP

Congress leader Shashi Tharoor, commenting on Nitish’s decision to join hands with BJP, argued that a presidential system of directly-elected leaders at all levels will cease such incidents.

Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav just posted two lines from a popular Hindi song to express his view on Nitish’s dramatic U-turn.

Read the reactions of our political leaders here

Rebel JD(U) MPs reach Sharad Yadav’s residence

JD(U) MPs Veerendra Kumar and Ali Anwar reach Sharad Yadav's residence in Delhi. pic.twitter.com/CTnPgayIo7

— ANI (@ANI) July 27, 2017

How one image has changed JD(U)-BJP equation over years: Tracking Nitish-Modi’s bittersweet past

The Bihar Grand Alliance has always laboured over the often patchy relationship between Nitish Kumar and the BJP. The occasional camaraderie between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Nitish had often rocked the coalition boat, with speculations rife that the Bihar chief minister is cosying up with the saffron party to get rid of Lalu Prasad Yadav.

Read the entire analysis here

Ali Anwar had accused Nitish of not respecting people’s mandate

“ My conscience does not allow me support this step of his (of Nitish Kumar joining hands with the BJP),” he had said. “It is wrong to split from the Grand Alliance and join hands with a communal party like the BJP to form the government in Bihar,” he added.

Sharad Yadav meets rebel JD(U) MPs

According to News18, Sharad Yadav is meeting rebel JD(U) MPs Ali Anwar and Veerendra Kumar in Delhi.

Here’s a timeline of how the events unfolded on Thursday
 

6:55 am: Media sources claim that Nitish Kumar will be sworn in as Bihar chief minister at 10 am. BJP leader Sushil Kumar Modi later confirms the news on Twitter, adding that the decision was made with the support of 132 MLAs. Reports state that Nitish and Sushil will take oath as chief minister and deputy chief minister respectively.

7:18 am: RJD supporters block the Mahatma Gandhi Setu, connecting north Bihar with Patna, over Nitish’s resignation.

Read the entire timeline here

Bihar govt with Narendra Modi will take state to newer heights: Amit Shah

I am sure the new Bihar government along with central govt led by PM Shri @narendramodi will take Bihar to newer heights.

— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) July 27, 2017

Bihar floor test on Friday at 11 am

Bihar floor test tomorrow at 11 AM pic.twitter.com/z1jl9wvGNv

— News18 (@CNNnews18) July 27, 2017

RJD is the largest party in the state Assembly: RJD leader Jagdanand Singh

Jagdanand Singh that RJD is the largest party in the state Assembly but the governor still did not invite us to form a government. The RJD will not allow the Assembly to function, he added according to News18.

Nitish Kumar joining hands with BJP is ‘rank opportunism’: Congress

The Congress on Thursday described Nitish Kumar’s joining hands with the BJP to remain in power as “rank opportunism and treachery with people’s mandate” and said it was “a black day” for Indian democracy.

Lok Sabha was adjourned on Thursday after Opposition raised bihar political crisis

Proceedings of the Lok Sabha were disrupted on Thursday as some Opposition parties created uproar over the political developments in Bihar and some other issues.

The House had to be adjourned for 25 minutes, just five minutes after it met for the day at 11 am.

Nitish Kumar becomes a BJP buddy in one stroke but curtains are not down on RJD

The current twist and turn in Bihar politics throw open three major possibilities not just for Bihar but for national politics at large. The role of the governor and that of allies also get highlighted time and again in the wake of such political junctures.

Read the entire article here

RJD MLAs wanted Tejashwi Yadav to resign

Most of the MLAs of our party were of the opinion that Tejashwi should resign so that alliance and govt remain saved: Maheshwar Yadav, RJD pic.twitter.com/wS7Ol2hQ52

— ANI (@ANI) July 27, 2017

Bihar may receive financial aid package from Centre soon
 

#NitishGharWapsi:Bihar may receive financial aid package from Centre soon; Nitish Kumar spoke to PM Modi, Arun Jaitley today. @_pallavighosh pic.twitter.com/u9cTpdAMzG

— News18 (@CNNnews18) July 27, 2017

Government cars of Tejashwi Yadav withdrawn

IBN reported that the government cars of Tejashwi yadav have been withdrawn following the swearing-in of the new government in Bihar.

Here’s a look at Nitish Kumar’s journey as chief minister

On 3 March, 2000 the then Samata Party leader Nitish Kumar was sworn in as Bihar chief minister. The then Bihar governor, VC Pande’s move to invite Nitish to form the government had come under criticism from Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), the Congress and the CPM. Read the entire article here .

From Lalu Prasad Yadav to Nitish Kumar, a tale of two administrations

Under Lalu, Bihar was so mired in crime and corruption — often by the politicians themselves — that the byword it became Jungle Raj. And when Lalu was an accused in the fodder scam, he simply handed over the levers of power to his wife Rabri Devi. It was business as usual.

Read the entire analysis here

Bihar will not accept new BJP-JD(U) dispensation: CPI

Expressing shock over the political developments in Bihar, the Communist Party of India (CPI) on Thursday said Nitish Kumar should have waited till the court verdict on corruption charges against Tejashwi Yadav

Read full article here

Raman Singh congratulates Nitish Kumar

I congratulated Bihar CM Nitish Kumar. Hope Bihar will move towards development now: Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh pic.twitter.com/C3RdIUd1tQ

— ANI (@ANI) July 27, 2017

Nitish allegedly raked up corruption charges against Virbhadra Singh in meeting with Rahul

CNN-News18 qouted some sources as saying that Nitish Kumar told Rahul Gandhi the only reason Congress was supporting Lalu was because they are worried that any action against the RJD leader would also mean action against Virbhadra Singh, who is also facing corruption charges.

Arun Jaitley to meet Sharad Yadav

After reports that an unhappy Sharad Yadav has got in touch with the Congress and even met Rahul Gandhi, Union minister Arun Jaitley will meet Yadav, according to News18.

Bihar political crisis was waiting to happen, thanks to Lalu-Nitish ‘opportunistic’ alliance in 2015

‘Ready to drink poison to crush the cobra of communalism’ is how RJD leader Lalu Prasad Yadav defined the decision to announce JD(U) leader Nitish Kumar as the chief ministerial candidate of the grand alliance in Bihar in 2015.

As the political developments in Bihar since Wednesday evening played out on our television screens, it became clearer that the alliance, which was supposed to be the answer to a rising Modi wave all across the nation, only came together to ensure the victory of “secular forces”.

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Enforcement Directorate files case against Lalu and his family

ED files PMLA case against Lalu Yadav and his family over railway hotel tender matter

— ANI (@ANI) July 27, 2017

नीतीश कुमार, क़फ़न में जेब नहीं होती लेकिन कुकर्मों का दाग़ ज़रूर होता है। जनता और मालिक सबके सब कर्मों का लेखा-जोखा रखते है। धीरज रखिए

— Lalu Prasad Yadav (@laluprasadrjd) July 27, 2017

Lalu tweets Nitish’s affidavit filed with his nomination papers

नीतीश के खिलाफ पब्लिक को गोली मारने का मामला है। स्वयं उसने affidavite में माना है। वह कंबल ओढ़ कर घी पी रहे है। पढ़िए pic.twitter.com/MUmOkKgV3q

— Lalu Prasad Yadav (@laluprasadrjd) July 27, 2017

Manohar Parrikar welcomes Nitish Kumar, says Bihar will be back on development path

Congratulations to @NitishKumar ji & @SushilModi ji on taking oath as CM & Dy CM. Under NDA Govt, Bihar will be back on development path.

— Manohar Parrikar Memorial (@manoharparrikar) July 27, 2017

Between Modi’s warmth and Lalu’s passive hostility, the choice for Nitish Kumar was inevitable

While Kumar seems to have shared a love-hate relationship with Lalu, his ties with Modi have only continued to bloom since last year. Despite the fact that Modi and his elevation as the prime ministerial candidate of the NDA in 2014 were the primary reasons behind Kumar’s resentment, the bonhomie between the two leaders in recent time is something which can never be matched by Lalu.

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BJP won’t need support: Sushil Modi

BJP is in touch with MLAs from the RJD and the Congress, but won’t need support: Sushil Modi | @maryashakilhttps://t.co/Zs8pFtqO3L

— News18 (@CNNnews18) July 27, 2017

‘Unhappy’ Sharad Yadav gets in touch with Congress

CNN-News18 reported that unhappy with Nitish’s decision, Sharad Yadav has got in touch with the Congress. Sources said Yadav met Rahul Gandhi at Jawahar Bhawan and has called a meeting of party MPs at his residence at 5 pm on Thursday.

Nitish Kumar’s exit leaves Opposition decimated ahead of 2019 Lok Sabha polls

In a way, Bihar polls turned out to be a blessing in disguise for the BJP and would ultimately point out a key difference between the ruling party and the Opposition: BJP learnt from its mistakes.

Because of this difference, BJP was able to grab power in five out of the ten states (including Uttar Pradesh) and union territory that witnessed elections after Bihar.

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It’s a black day for democracy: Congress

“To decimate democracy and denigrate people’s mandate has become the accepted way forward for the ruling BJP,” Congress’ Randeep S Surjewala said in a statement. He said that every “political and democratic principle was murdered” in Bihar because of the forming of the BJP-JD(U) government.

A story of 'Rank Opportunism & Treachery with People's Mandate' was written in Bihar today by BJP & Nitish ji | My Statement - pic.twitter.com/ngtEgZ2VK6

— Randeep Singh Surjewala (@rssurjewala) July 27, 2017

Many JD(U) leaders felt suffocated: Sushil Kumar Modi

“Nitish Kumar had never compromised on certain issues. Narendra Modi and Nitish share a chemistry (on zero toleration against corruption). They’ ve become icons of good governance. The Grand Alliance was unnatural. I know Nitish. Anti-Congressism is in his blood,” Sushil Modi tells CNN News18.

Lalu Prasad may approach SC over Nitish’s swearing-in

RJD is consulting legal experts and might approach the Supreme Court as the verdict in the SR Bommai case has not been followed while inviting Nitish Kumar to form government in Bihar. 

The SR Bommai case verdict stated that the largest party should be invited to form government.

Rabri Devi takes a dig at Nitish Kumar

“Lalu considered him as brother. We are not afraid of anybody. We will teach Nitish Kumar, BJP and JD(U) a lesson,” Rabri Devi told India Today.

#NitishModified
I am not afraid of #NitishKumar: Rabri Devi
Angry Rabri speaks up on Gathbandhan pic.twitter.com/e2kQkGfzxf

— IndiaToday (@IndiaToday) July 27, 2017

Nitish conspired with BJP to frame my family, alleges Lalu

“Nitish Kumar has cheated the people of Bihar. I charge that he (Nitish Kumar) colluded with BJP to file CBI cases against me and my family,” Lalu Prasad told after appearing before a CBI court in a fodder scam case.

JD(U) hits back at Congress

My opinion is that Lalu never takes honesty as his root: Lallan Singh, JD(U) leader #NitishGharWapsi pic.twitter.com/ihKsKBMYdp

— News18 (@CNNnews18) July 27, 2017

Ghulam Nabi Azad criticises Nitish Kumar’s Move

I think it has become Nitish ji's habit to change parties and stand every few years: Ghulam Nabi Azad,Congress pic.twitter.com/Z0ntN023qH

— ANI (@ANI) July 27, 2017

Ram Vilas Paswan claims to have predicted Grand Alliance’s fate

Had already stated this govt will not last long, but Lalu Yadav called me a political weather expert: Union Minister Ram Vilas Paswan #Bihar pic.twitter.com/sEMfMhCVdF

— ANI (@ANI) July 27, 2017

Congress slams Narendra Modi, accuses JDU and BJP of political opportunism

PM questioned political DNA of #NitishKumar. it has been proved that DNAs of JDU & BJP are identical, its opportunism : RS Surjewala, Cong pic.twitter.com/1E8HUGlPtN

— ANI (@ANI) July 27, 2017

Kerala JD(U) opposes Nitish Kumar’s decision of joining BJP

The Janata Dal (United) in Kerala announced it was severing ties with Nitish Kumar. The JD(U) Kerala’s chief, MP Veerendra Kumar, a Rajya Sabha member, told reporters here that he was even ready to resign from the Upper House in his fight against “fascist forces”.

Nitish Kumar assures to have zero tolerance against corruption

Thank PM for wishes.There'll be no compromise on corruption;sure Bihar will go towards development with cooperation from centre:#NitishKumar pic.twitter.com/blEUxPKvOg

— ANI (@ANI) July 27, 2017

JD(U) rejects betrayal claim, says Rahul Gandhi was informed beforehand

We had told them we are taking back our support, Nitish Kumar had met Rahul Gandhi: Ajay Alok, JDU pic.twitter.com/guPl6Jg107

— ANI (@ANI) July 27, 2017

Sushil Modi blames RJD for their fate

“Ache din are in store for Bihar. RJD is itself responsible for the breaking of Grand Alliance,” Bihar deputy chief minister Sushil Modi told ANI

Aage bihar ke achhe din aayenge, gathbandhan tuta toh uske liye wohi log zimedaar hain: #Bihar Deputy CM Sushil Modi pic.twitter.com/QjT6lAWVxX

— ANI (@ANI) July 27, 2017

RJD supporters stage protest 

RJD workers protest against #NitishKumar in Patna pic.twitter.com/LXMBpYc3RB

— ANI (@ANI) July 27, 2017

Tejashwi Yadav slams Nitish Kumar on Twitter

After Tejashwi’s march failed to stop the inevitable and Nitish Kumar was sworn-in on Thursday at 10 am as the Chief Minister of Bihar, RJD supremo Lalu Prasad’s son tweeted out his rage to slam his former ally-turned ‘opportunistic rival’ Nitish Kumar. 

Was it an impromptu move or a well-scripted drama? 

Watching the Bihar developments unfold, it is difficult to avoid the impression that Nitish Kumar and BJP played out an intricately detailed, perfectly laid-out script. Consider the moves which started not on Wednesday but a day before when Nitish, unlike any other Opposition leaders except Sonia Gandhi, got a first-row seat during Ram Nath Kovind’s swearing-in as 14th President of India.

Mamata Banerjee was seated in last row while Arvind Kejriwal was left high and dry. On Wednesday, minutes after Nitish had resigned as Bihar CM, Narendra Modi sent two tweets to congratulate him. Simultaneously, BJP’s state unit went into a core committee meeting while another meeting was going on in New Delhi.

Shortly thereafter, BJP announced unconditional support to Nitish while he thanked PM on Twitter. Minutes later, all 53 BJP MLAs walked over to 1, Anne Marg, the official residence of the CM, and announced support.

Report by News18 said that Nitish could stake claim for forming the government tonight itself. JD(U) has 71 MLAs. NDA’s 58 gives Nitish enough numbers to form the government. It stretches credulity to think that there no premeditation in these turn of events. It’s one more indication of how nimble-footed BJP is under Modi-Shah duopoly.

We have Mamata, Akhilesh and Mayawati: Lalu

Addressing a press conference after Nitish was sworn-in as the chief minister, Lalu recounted everything that transpired between the JD(U) and the RJD leader. Lalu concluded the press conference by saying that the Opposition, which is being dubbed faceless, has many capable leaders even now. 

“We have Mayawati, Akhilesh, Mamata… we will get them all together. So what if Nitish has gone to BJP?”

Mayawati Akhilesh Mamata, we will get them all together, so what if Nitish has gone to the BJP: Lalu Yadav on opposition unity pic.twitter.com/VcxDxXMWYz

— ANI (@ANI) July 27, 2017

CM Nitish Kumar responds to Narendra Modi’s tweet: Says no compromise on corruption

मान. प्रधानमंत्री की शुभकामना हेतु धन्यवाद.भ्रष्टाचार से समझौता नहीं होगा. मुझे विश्वास है,केंद्र के सहयोग से राज्य में विकास को गति मिलेगी.

— Nitish Kumar (@NitishKumar) July 27, 2017

KC Tyagi: Rahul Gandhi has disappointed Nitish Kumar and JD(U)
 

Reacting to Rahul Gandhi’s allegation of Nitish Kumar’s betrayal, JD (U) leader KC Tyagi said, “Rahul has disappointed JD(U). Congress’ approach towards corruption is anyway not great and that’s why they had expected Nitish Kumar to overlook Tejashwi’s blatant corruption. But JD (U) and Nitish Kumar have always come down heavily on all those involved in corrupution.”

Nitish Kumar ka ye antim hai. Vinaash kaale viprit buddhi: Lalu Yadav pic.twitter.com/bd7GIk5Ikd

— ANI (@ANI) July 27, 2017

Mayawati: These developments are bad news for democracy

Jo kuch ho raha hai loktantra ke liye shubh sanket nahi, desh ki aam janta ko aage aakar loktantra ko kamzor hone se bachana hoga: Mayawati pic.twitter.com/iA0s5CMSGD

— ANI (@ANI) July 27, 2017

Want a simple explainer on the ongoing political crisis in Bihar?

Congress falters, again, when it mattered most 

The developments in Bihar reflect poorly on Congress and its vice president’s leadership qualities. Soon after emerging from Raj Bhavan on Wednesday evening, Nitish Kumar claimed that he had done everything he could to save the alliance, including meeting Rahul Gandhi over the deadlock that arose out of Tejashwi Yadav’s decision to stay put.

It was hint enough that Rahul Gandhi, in his capacity as Congress vice-president and a partner in the mahagathbandhan, could have done more. 

Perhaps impress upon Lalu Yadav that his son must step down in larger interest of sustaining the Opposition as a viable political force. One doesn’t know what transpired in the meeting but Nitish’s frustration with Rahul’s inaction was evident and this may have played no small part in pushing him over the brink. This is a deeper defeat for Congress than is immediately apparent because the fading GoP loses one more chance to remain in power in one of the key states in Hindi heartland. Contrast the leaden-footed Rahul Gandhi with PM Modi, who wasted no time in extending a hand of support towards Nitish, eyes firmly set on future.

Will divorce from Lalu be enough to save Nitish’s image? 

In his first comments since tendering the resignation as Bihar chief minister , Nitish Kumar quoted Mahatma Gandhi in saying that the world has enough for everyone’s needs but not for their greed. It is was an obvious reference to Lalu Prasad Yadav’s corrupt empire that threatened to wipe out Nitish’s political capital by way of association.

There were enough indications for some time now that the strains of the alliance was taking heavy toll on Kumar who was running out of options even as Lalu and his son, Tejasvi, Bihar’s deputy CM, dug in their heels. Pushed to a corner, Nitish chose probity over power but this decision may not be enough in dispelling the notion that he has already compromised his “incorruptible and clean” image by deciding to tie up with Lalu in 2015. 

The resignation might be ‘sushashan babu’s’ last-ditch attempt to save what little is left of his political capital.

#SharadYadav to hold meeting with few party leaders at 5 pm in #Delhi: will #JDU survive #Nitish's volte-face https://t.co/B8nMA0Va1h pic.twitter.com/WLbh51zNK3

— Firstpost (@firstpost) July 27, 2017

WATCH: RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav slams Nitish Kumar for opportunism and betrayal

#WATCH RJD Chief Lalu Prasad Yadav addresses the media https://t.co/cULdlzObG8

— ANI (@ANI) July 27, 2017

Nitish has been sworn-in as Bihar chief minister 6 times in the past 12 years

Nitish Kumar has been sworn in as Bihar chief minister for the sixth time in 12 years. The Janata Dal (United) chief, in a surprising move, deserted the Grand Alliance and is all set to form the government in Bihar with the Bharatiya Janata Party.

Here is a look at Nitish’s political career:

On 3 March, 2000 the then Samata Party leader Nitish Kumar was sworn in as Bihar chief minister. 

On 24 November, 2005, Nitish staged a comeback as state chief minister with the support of BJP. 

Presiding over the top most post in the state, Nitish Kumar on 26 November 2010 became Bihar chief minister for the second consecutive time.

On 22 February 2015, Nitish took oath as the Bihar chief minister for the fourth time. Nitish had succeeded Jitan Ram Manjhi, who had resigned from his office on 20 February, 2015.

On 20 November, 2015, Nitish Kumar took oath as Bihar’s 35th chief minister. 

In a jolt to Lalu Prasad Yadav and the Grand Alliance, Nitish Kumar on Wednesday tenderd his resignation merely an hour after Lalu reasserted that their was no bitterness in the alliance.

Nitish Kumar bahut bada avsarwadi nikla, says Lalu Prasad Yadav

#Bihar is politically conscious state, people are angry over what happened: #LaluPrasadYadav Follow #LIVE updates https://t.co/B8nMA0Va1h pic.twitter.com/xTXSyNWBWB

— Firstpost (@firstpost) July 27, 2017

Regrettable there is no #Gandhi ji today to unite us. Modi's khandan of Godse - #RSS killed him: #Lalu #LIVE https://t.co/B8nMA0Va1h pic.twitter.com/hOtlLh7Z7E

— Firstpost (@firstpost) July 27, 2017

#NarendraModi tricked the people by talks of #AccheDin; We will keep reminding the nation of his lies: #Lalu #LIVE https://t.co/B8nMA0Va1h pic.twitter.com/8MzIWvZV8s

— Firstpost (@firstpost) July 27, 2017

'Hum satta lolup nahi hain. 15-20 saal se mukadma hi mukadma lad rahe hain': #LaluPrasad

Follow #LIVE https://t.co/B8nMA0Va1h pic.twitter.com/Ja6p3G0rfW

— Firstpost (@firstpost) July 27, 2017

#NitishKumar bohot bada avsarwadi nikla: #LaluPrasad

Follow #LIVE updates https://t.co/B8nMA0Va1h pic.twitter.com/uM7508cKAs

— Firstpost (@firstpost) July 27, 2017

Narendra Modi, Amit Shah, Rajnath Singh congratulate Nitish

Senior BJP leaders, including party chief Amit Shah, home minister Rajnath Singh and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, congratulated Nitish and Sushil Modi after their oath taking ceremony. 

Political parties across the country were shocked when the bihar chief minister resigned on Wednesday. 

बिहार सरकार के उप मुख्यमंत्री के रूप में तीसरी बार शपथ लेते हुए राज भवन में आयोजित शपथ ग्रहण समारोह में... pic.twitter.com/UPRMRu1DKO

— Sushil Kumar Modi (@SushilModi) July 27, 2017

Amit Shah tweets

New Bihar government along with the central government will take Bihar to new heights, says BJP chief Amit Shah

I am sure the new Bihar government along with central govt led by PM Shri @narendramodi will take Bihar to newer heights.

— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) July 27, 2017

Rahul Gandhi tweets

बिहार ने नितीशजी को anti communal लड़ाई लड़ने के लिए mandate दी, लेकिन नितीशजी अपनी personal politics के लिए उन्हीं लोगों से गले लग गए

— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) July 27, 2017

अपने स्वार्थ के लिए आदमी कुछ भी कर जाता है- कोई नियम नहीं है, कोई credibility नहीं है, सत्ता के लिए कुछ भी कर देते हैं

— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) July 27, 2017

How will Nitish show his face to people of Bihar, asks Lalu Prasad Yadav

Lalu Prasad Yadav is in Ranchi for hearing in the fodder scam case. “I am a man of principles. How will Nitish show his face to the people of Bihar? He used to swear that he will not return to BJP. This is a huge betrayal for the people of Bihar and for us.” 

“They (BJP) wanted to pin the blame on Tejashwi. They were afraid that Tejashwi would come up as a worthy opponent in 2019. This is a conspiracy by Amit Shah and Narendra Modi. This is nothing but political vendetta.”

Nitish Kumar abandons Mahagathbandhan in Bihar: Congress’ future just got darker

The Grand Alliance or the Mahagathbandhan in Bihar now lies in tatters and this could not have happened at a more inopportune time for the Indian National Congress. In a series of embarrassing poll defeats since the Narendra Modi government came to power in 2014, Bihar polls had been one of the few exceptions in which Congress had got some good news, apart from a few other states and Union territories like Punjab and Puducherry.

Even though Congress has not been politically relevant in Bihar for a long time now, the victory of the Mahagathbandhan — formed by Lalu Prasad’s RJD, Nitish Kumar’s JD(U) and Congress — in Bihar polls was an important step for the Grand Old Party to revive itself and reclaim its lost national relevance for the 2019 Lok Sabha polls.

Now that Kumar has abandoned the Grand Alliance to leave Congress with RJD which is facing and has earlier faced corruption charges, Congress has lost importance in one of the very few states it could have talked about having relevance in. And the party is aware of this fact. Unlike Lalu Prasad — who reacted bitterly and even alleged that his former ally Nitish Kumar had murder taint on him — Congress was still willing to cozy up to Kumar.

Congress slams ‘Modi bhakt Nitish’ for his lust for power

Congress spokesperson Randeep Surjewala took potshots at newly sworn-in Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar, alleging that he has unsatiable ’lust for power’.

“Conspiratorial treachery & rank political opportunism is the real DNA,” the grand old party said of its former ally. 

#ModiBhaktNitish
Conspiratorial treachery & rank political opportunism is the real DNA.
Lust for power overpowers.https://t.co/zJVc3soibN

— Randeep Singh Surjewala (@rssurjewala) July 27, 2017

Arun Jaitley congratulates Nitish, Sushil after swearing-in

Congratulations to Shri @NitishKumar ji & Shri @SushilModi ji on being sworn in the CM & the Deputy CM of Bihar, respectively.

— Arun Jaitley (@arunjaitley) July 27, 2017

Shashi Tharoor tweets

Our system allows legislature to form executive,making it easy for parties to betray the wishes of the voters. BJP was rejected in election! https://t.co/WWLooLOurR

— Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) July 27, 2017

Meanwhile… 

Lalu Prasad Yadav appeared before a special CBI court in Ranchi in a case related to fodder scam

kya koi train chooti jaa rahi thi? jaise koi chori-dakaiti ho rahi thii raton-raat. Koi naitikta ki baat nahi thi: Digvijaya Singh Cong pic.twitter.com/wv7Hko7TuN

— ANI (@ANI) July 27, 2017

Nitish ji hamesha netikta ki baat karte hain kya yahi netikta hai? Janta ne aapko BJP-Sangh ke virodh mein vote diya tha :Digvijay Singh pic.twitter.com/FmvMGDJmeM

— ANI (@ANI) July 27, 2017

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh congratulats Nitish Kumar and Sushil Kumar Modi

​

Rajnath hails Nitish Kumar’s transparency in governance. 

बिहार के मुख्यमंत्री के रूप में नई पारी शुरू करने के लिए श्री नीतीश कुमार को हार्दिक बधाई. पारदर्शिता के प्रति उनकी प्रतिबद्धता सराहनीय है.

— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) July 27, 2017

बिहार के उपमुख्यमंत्री के रूप में शपथ लेने के लिए श्री सुशील मोदी जी को बधाई. प्रदेश को नई ऊँचाई पर ले जाने में उनका सहयोग महत्वपूर्ण होगा.

— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) July 27, 2017

Decision to form new govt taken in interest of #Bihar, will take state to path of prosperity: Nitish#Kumar after being sworn in

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) July 27, 2017

JUST IN: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s first cabinet meeting to take place at 11:30 am

Development will be a priority, will take Bihar to greater heights: Sushil Modi after being sworn-in as Bihar Deputy CM pic.twitter.com/Id6GAyeyyd

— ANI (@ANI) July 27, 2017

Quitting RJD coalition was for Bihar’s progress; will respond to Rahul Gandhi in a proper manner: Nitish Kumar

After being sworn-in as the chief minister, Nitish Kumar said that his decision is in Bihar’s interest and its developments. Speaking to reporters outside the Raj Bhavan in Patna, Nitish said that whatever was happening in Bihar was not good for the state’s development.  

On asking what he has to say about Rahul Gandhi’s “cheating” jibe, Nitish said, “I will respond to Rahul Gandhi in a proper way."

My decision is in Bihar's interest and for its development: #NitishKumar after being sworn in as Bihar CM pic.twitter.com/qEvuQaQIji

— ANI (@ANI) July 27, 2017

I delivered manifolds than wat was expected of me. My performance perturbed our ally & BJP. Vendetta against me exposes their viciousness.

— Tejashwi Yadav (@yadavtejashwi) July 27, 2017

Tejashwi fires fresh salvo at ‘opportunist rival’ Nitish Kumar

In a series of tweets a little after Nitish Kumar was sworn in as the Chief Minister of Bihar, former deputy chief minister Tejashwi tweeted out saying, “I entered in government with a clean slate with a keen desire of writing a positive story for people of Bihar, only to find an opportunist rival!” Tejashwi further said that despite “past baggage”, it did not stop him in carrying out the duties in the “role of DyCM!”

I entered in govt with a clean slate with a keen desire of writing a positive story for people of Bihar, only to find an opportunist rival!

— Tejashwi Yadav (@yadavtejashwi) July 27, 2017

Past baggage, though unjustified, didn't perturb me when I was entrusted to carry the expectations of people's mandate, in the role of DyCM!

— Tejashwi Yadav (@yadavtejashwi) July 27, 2017

Narendra Modi congratulates Nitish Kumar

Prime Minister tweeted after the JD(U) chief was sworn in as the chief minister of Bihar on Thursday. “Looking forward to working together for Bihar’s progress & prosperity,” Modi tweeted. 

Congratulations to @NitishKumar ji & @SushilModi ji. Looking forward to working together for Bihar’s progress & prosperity.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 27, 2017

Nitish Kumar cheated us: Rahul Gandhi

In a first reaction that came from the Congress leadership, vice-president Rahul Gandhi slammed chief minister Nitish Kumar and said that the JD(U) cheated Congress and the people of Bihar. “His mandate was anti-communal. He (Nitish) promised the people of Bihar that he will not join hands with the communal, divisive powers in the country. Nitish Kumar has cheated us,” Rahul said. 

Speaking to reporters, Rahul further said that he knew that Nitish would jump ships for the past three-fourt months. “I knew this will happen. There is no credibility in politics, people will do anything for selfish reasons,” Rahul added. 

Mandate was given to Nitish ji for the anti-communal fight but now he has joined hands with them for his personal politics: Rahul Gandhi pic.twitter.com/yNkEKoJWge

— ANI (@ANI) July 27, 2017

Satta ke liye vyakti kuch bhi kar jaata hai, koi neeyam, credibility nahin hai: Rahul Gandhi on #NitishKumar pic.twitter.com/8eRvp6hdvV

— ANI (@ANI) July 27, 2017

What next?

Now, that Nitish Kumar’s oath-taking ceremony is over and the JD(U) leader is back in the NDA fold, the rest of the day is expected to be packed with press conferences, party meetings and planned protests across Bihar.

– RJD party offices across all districts in Bihar had planned protests across the state. However, after Section 144 was imposed outside Raj Bhavan in Patna, reports said that the protests have been put on hold

– RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav, however, told supporters to postpone the protests without citing any reasons. 

–  Congress legislative meet will take place at 2 pm today. Congress leader CP Joshi will be attending the meet.

Nitish Kumar and Sushil Modi sworn in as Chief Minister and Deputy CM of Bihar respectively, at Raj Bhawan in Patna

Nitish Kumar and Sushil Modi sworn in as Chief Minister and Deputy CM of Bihar respectively, at Raj Bhawan in Patna. pic.twitter.com/r2Ar9oSPva

— ANI (@ANI) July 27, 2017

Nitish Kumar returns as Bihar chief minister for 6th time in 12 years

Patna’s Raj Bhavan echoed with chants of “Nitish Kumar Zindabad” as Governor Keshri Nath Tripathi administered oath to Nitish Kumar as the chief minister and Sushil Kumar Modi as the deputy chief minister of Bihar. 

This is the sixth time that Nitish has taken oath as the chief minister in the last 12 years.

Nitish Kumar sworn in as Bihar Chief Minister in Raj Bhavan, Patna  

#BREAKING -- Nitish Kumar sworn in as Bihar Chief Minister in Raj Bhavan, Patna
Image: ANI
LIVE UPDATES: https://t.co/WbxAYpwAfX pic.twitter.com/4Z9HNjRpgl

— News18 (@CNNnews18) July 27, 2017

WATCH: Nitish Kumar’s swearing-in ceremony as Bihar CM at Raj Bhawan in Patna

JUST IN

Nitish Kumar reaches Raj Bhawan in Patna, to be sworn in as Bihar Chief Minister shortly.

Nitish Kumar reaches Raj Bhawan in Patna, to be sworn in as Bihar Chief Minister shortly. pic.twitter.com/E6WNj3C9Fe

— ANI (@ANI) July 27, 2017

BJP’s Sushil Modi reaches Raj Bhavan in Patna. Leader set to be sworn in as Bihar Deputy Chief Minister.

#NitishResigns -- BJP's Sushil Modi reaches Raj Bhawan in Patna, set to be sworn in as Bihar Deputy Chief Minister.

Images: ANI pic.twitter.com/XjPxlowsYm

— News18 (@CNNnews18) July 27, 2017

Nitish Kumar’s resignation sounds the death knell for ‘secularism’ as a political platform

Amid a fast-paced turn of events that would put even Christopher Nolan’s movies to shame, Bihar’s ex-chief minister Nitish Kumar is slated to be sworn in as the state’s next chief minister at 10 am on Thursday morning. The evening that started with the JD(U) chief tendering his resignation from the chief minister’s post and dealing a fatal blow to the Mahagathbandhan, ended with him firmly in the driver’s seat, poised to return as chief minister this time with NDA’s support. It was easier perhaps to keep track of the wickets that fell during India’s last 10 overs against England in the final of ICC Women’s World Cup last Sunday.

A plethora of narratives emerged from the potboiler, none as striking as the futility of ‘secularism’ as a political platform. When Nitish Kumar walked over to the BJP ditching his ‘grand alliance’ with RJD and Congress, the death knell for ‘secularism’ as a political slogan was well and truly sounded. It has now become a corrupted, discredited word — a totem for everything between Congress-style mediocrity to RJD-style corruption.

A more compelling platform has emerged in its place. Championed by BJP, the magnetism of ‘anti-corruption’ as a political slogan is evident. So strong is its appeal that from Ram Vilas Paswan to Nitish Kumar, all self-styled champions of ‘secularism’ are reneging on their stated positions on ‘communalism’ and joining hands with BJP under the ‘anti-corruption’ umbrella. Politics follows the power principle, not moral codes. Suddenly, Narendra Modi and BJP are no longer political untouchables, but the fulcrum around which national politics revolves.

Timing is everything.

JUST IN: Trust vote to be held day-after-tomorrow

#BREAKING -- Trust vote in Bihar to be held day-after-tomorrow, 29th July

LIVE UPDATES: https://t.co/WbxAYpwAfX pic.twitter.com/5pIeFXtrB3

— News18 (@CNNnews18) July 27, 2017

Sharad Yadav unhappy with Nitish Kumar

Former JD(U) chief Sharad Yadav is unhappy with Nitish Kumar decision to break away from the Mahagathbandhan and ally with the BJP again, reports CNN-News18.  Political Editor Marya Shakil reported that Yadav was probably not even kept in the loop ahead of Nitish’s big decision. 

Meanwhile, a trust vote will be held in the Bihar Assembly on Saturday. Nitish Kumar, whose JD(U) has 71 MLAs, should have no problem crossing the majority mark given the NDA support.

Mahagathbandhan with RJD out, Gathbandhan with BJP in

The political landscape of Bihar changed in a matter of hours when Nitish formally staked claim to form the government with the backing of the BJP, marking his return to the NDA fold.

Kumar will be sworn-in at 10am along with BJP leader Sushil Modi who wil lbe his new deputy, replacing Lalu Prasad Yadav’s son Tejashwi Yadav who has been accused of corruption. Nitish changed the political equation in Bihar when he resigned on Wednesday evening, citing the failure of his Mahagathbandhan allies — the RJD and the Congress — to act on demands of Tejashwi’s resignation.

History will record Nitish Kumar as an opportunistic politician, not as a guardian of pure politics

Nitish Kumar has made a historical blunder by cosying up to the BJP. While the entire country was looking up to him to lead an anti-BJP alliance in the 2019 elections, he has chosen to betray his own destiny by becoming a minion of India’s ruling clique, giving up the opportunity to become the leader of its opposition and a possible shot at greatness.

Several decades later, when the history of Indian politics is written, the current chapter of politics is revisited in the light of facts — not fiction or hyperbole — Kumar would be mentioned in a footnote as someone who promised greatness but embraced opportunism, bringing about his own political demise.

Kumar’s decision to resign as Bihar’s chief minister, though understandable, is shocking. It smacks not just of hypocrisy but also of opportunism on steroids. That he decided to quit as Bihar’s chief minister and then return within a few hours with the support of the BJP points at a scripted drama whose denouement was decided in consultation with his one time rivals to the detriment of his current allies.

Sushil Modi tweets

BJP leader Sushil Modi will be sworn-in as the deputy chief minister of Bihar today at 10 am

Just received invitation from Hon'ble Governor to take Oath and be a part of Bihar Govt.

— Sushil Kumar Modi (@SushilModi) July 27, 2017

Frankly big advantage with #NitishKumar Ghar wapsi is to Modi. Smashes opposition unity. For Niku it's a zero sum game minus national play

— barkha dutt (@BDUTT) July 26, 2017

Jai Bihar, says Twitter

Nitish Kumar’s resignation on Wednesday witnessed several seasoned journalists and political analysts hailing the former chief minister as an “opportunist”. Rajdeep Sardesai marvelled at Nitish’s political manoeuvering where he passed off an opportunistic decision as a “moral dilemma.”

The brilliance of @NitishKumar : has couched a blatantly opportunistic decision as a moral dilemma! Hats off! Jai Bihar! #NitishKumar

— Rajdeep Sardesai (@sardesairajdeep) July 26, 2017

Game over for RJD as JD(U), BJP have the numbers to form govt

With BJP’s backing, Nitish intends to stake claim to form the government. On Thursday, he will take oath as Bihar chief minister to return to his seat, while BJP’s Sushil Kumar Modi will also swear-in, but as the deputy chief minister to replace Tejashwi Yadav. Even though Nitish’s masterstroke has not gone down well with Tejashwi, there is nothing that the RJD supremo’s son can do about it.

The JD(U)-BJP combination has the numbers in the Bihar Assembly to prove its majority. Together, the JD(U) and NDA allies have 129 MLAs in the 243-member Bihar Assembly, seven more than the magic figure of 122.

While RJD has 80 MLAs, even if it tries to form alliance with Congress, which has 27 MLAs, and CPI-ML, which has three, their number would only add up to 110. There are four independent MLAs who are likely to throw their weight behind the coalition which enjoys majority support.

Preparations underway as Nitish Kumar all set to be sworn in as the Bihar Chief Minister for the 6th time today

Scene outside Raj Bhawan in Patna; preparations underway as Nitish Kumar set to be sworn in as Bihar Chief Minister for the 6th time today pic.twitter.com/0R5knvMC0L

— ANI (@ANI) July 27, 2017

After resignation, Nitish Kumar’s biggest challenge is to keep the JD(U) united

After resigning from the post of chief minister, Nitish Kumar’s biggest challenge would be to keep his own party united. Leaders from Congress and RJD have already started criticising his move, alleging that the JD(U) leader always intended to join hands with BJP.

In a meeting held to discuss the land graft case involving Lalu Prasad’s son and Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav, against whom CBI has filed an FIR in a land graft case, many JD(U) leaders voiced their concerns amid opposition from some party men.

Bijendra Yadav, MLA and commerce minister in Nitish’s cabinet, warned the JD(U) chief against joining hands with the BJP. He said, “Nitishji, (the) people of Bihar have elected you and Lalu both. Any attempt to scuttle the alliance would have serious repercussions.”

On Wednesday, just before Nitish was to meet his legislative members, MLA Poonam Devi, who is also from the Yadav community, openly said that he would defend Tejashwi in the meeting. Out of the 71 JD(U) MLAs, 18 of them are Muslims or Yadavs. Both communities have always supported Lalu.

Congress MLAs in Bihar to meet in Patna at 2 pm, reports News18

Congress legislative meet will take place at 2 pm today. Congress leader CP Joshi will be attending the meet.

WATCH: Tejashwi says Nitish has betrayed people of Bihar 

#WATCH | People of Bihar have been betrayed. It is injustice & murder of democracy: Tejashwi Yadav #NitishGharWapsi pic.twitter.com/PcJ0FTj9x4

— TIMES NOW (@TimesNow) July 26, 2017

#WATCH: My conscience does not allow me to support #NitishKumar's decision of forming Govt with the BJP: JDU MP Ali Anwar to ANI pic.twitter.com/dQiJaPvzKJ

— ANI (@ANI) July 27, 2017

RJD supporters to hold protests across Bihar​

RJD supporters have started gathering at Rabri Devi’s residence in Patna as the party leaders have given clear indications that they are not going to take “the betrayal” lying low. 

While on one hand, Tejashwi will march to the governor’s house with all RJD MLAs, RJD supporters will block Mahatma Gandhi Setu. RJD offices across Bihar will also hold protests at 12pm, News 18 reported.

How drama unfolded in Bihar over 24 hours

Wednesday evening saw the metamorphosis of Bihar political crisis, with Nitish Kumar tendering his resignation merely an hour after Lalu Prasad Yadav reasserted that their was no bitterness in the alliance. In a span of less then five hours, Nitish desecrated the Bihar Grand Alliance, and made a dramatic return with the support of former ally, Bharatiya Janata Party. 

It all started after news channels reported that the strain in ties within the Mahagathbandhan has reached a point where the beleaguered allies were not even having a joint legislators meet ahead of the Bihar Assembly’s Monsoon Session, which was scheduled to begin on Friday.

Take a look back at last night’s developments that say the political turf in Bihar change completely.

Tejashwi to march to governor’s house with RJD MLAs: CNN-News18

Akhilesh Yadav takes a dig at Nitish for joining hands with BJP

ना ना करते, प्यार तुम्हीं से कर बैठे
करना था इंकार मगर इक़रार तुम्हीं से कर बैठे
Bihar Today

— Akhilesh Yadav (@yadavakhilesh) July 27, 2017

The unraveling of Bihar Grand Alliance

Nitish and lalu together may have managed to stop the BJP juggernaut but theirs was an uncomfortable alliance. Here are a few instnaces, when the alliance was rocked in the past.

In January 2016, RJD national vice-president Raghuvansh Prasad Singh hit out at the chief minister, blaming him for the state’s deteriorating security situation.

In another move that raised eyebrows, at the end of September, Nitish broke with his comrades and praised the Centre’s surgical strikes

In June, Nitish decided to back Ram Nath Kovind for president and called to inform Sonia and Lalu that he was doing so because he shared a great rapport with Kovind.

Tejashwi meets Bihar guv, says will move court against his decision

Tejashwi Yadav met Bihar Governor Keshri Nath Tripathi to register protest over Nitish Kumar being invited to form his government ahead of RJD, which is the single largest party in the state Assembly.

Kumar has been asked by the governor to prove his majority in the Assembly within two days of taking oath at 10 am today.

After Kumar’s meeting with the governor late last night, Tejashwi, accompanied by some RJD MLAs and leaders, marched to the Raj Bhawan to meet Tripathi.

“RJD being the single largest party should have been invited to form the government. We are taking legal advice and will move court against the governor’s decision,” he told reporters after the meeting.

He said the people of Bihar had given the grand alliance the mandate to run its government for 5 years which Kumar “betrayed”.

He also threatened of protests across the state against Kumar “who will find it difficult to move around”. Tejashwi claimed he had support of most JD(U) MLAs. “I’m confident that most JD(U) MLAs who are committed to social justice will vote against the government in the floor-test,” he said. He said the governor told him that he has already invited Kumar for taking oath and it is not possible to take back the invitation letter.

My conscience doesn’t allow me to join BJP: JDU MP Ali Anwar

In one of the first negative reaction coming from the JD(U) camp, MP Ali Anwar on Thursday told ANI, “Nitish_ji_ has taken the decision of going with BJP because his conscience allowed him. Mine does not. My conscience does not allow me to support his move.”

Nitish ji ne apni aatma ki awaaz par BJP ke saath jaane ka faisla kiya lekin mera zameer gawara nhi karta:Ali Anwar,JDU pic.twitter.com/y8hsCam3sq

— ANI (@ANI) July 27, 2017

Mera zameer isski ijaazat nahi deta ki mai unke iss kadam ka samarthan karu: Ali Anwar,JDU MP on #NitishKumar pic.twitter.com/gjh2YM1thA

— ANI (@ANI) July 27, 2017

Will voice my opinion in the party if I get an opportunity: Ali Anwar,JDU MP on #NitishKumar pic.twitter.com/vQaEup09aK

— ANI (@ANI) July 27, 2017

RECAP How Nitish stunned Bihar | Tejashwi says RJD will stake claim to government too

In what will be remembered as one of the quickest political developments and manoeuvering, Nitish Kumar quit as Bihar chief minister on Wednesday only to stage a dramatic comeback. “In the circumstances that prevail in Bihar, it became difficult to run the grand alliance government,” Kumar told reporters outside Raj Bhavan after submitting his resignation to Governor Keshri Nath Tripathi.

But in a series of fast-paced developments that unfolded over the next few hours it became clear that Kumar was going to be the ultimate winner. First, Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised him for his “honesty” in standing up to corruption. Then the BJP said it would support him, and its legislators met Kumar’s JD(U) MLAs.

After the meeting, Kumar, accompanied by senior BJP leader Sushil Kumar Modi drove to Raj Bhavan to stake claim to form the government.

Modi later told journalists that a list of 132 MLAs supporting the alliance was submitted to the governor who has invited Kumar to form the government. These include 71 of JD(U), BJP 53, RLSP 2, LJP 2, HAM 1 and three Independents.

The JD(U)-BJP combine may have the numbers in the Bihar Assembly to prove its majority, but RJD appeared in no mood to give up without a fight, with Tejashwi Yadav saying he would stake claim to form the next government.

“Have sought appointment with the governor. Will stake claim to form government as the the single largest party. Will also get the support of JD(U) MLAs who have won after defeating BJP candidates,” Tejashwi tweeted.

The numbers are, however, stacked against him. The JD(U) and NDA allies together have 129 MLAs in the 243-member Bihar Assembly, seven more than the magic figure of 122. support.

Floor test to be held on Friday

RJD party offices in Bihar to hold protest march at 12 pm

RJD offices offices across all districts in Bihar will hold protest march at 12 pm on Thursday, RJD leader Ram Chandra Purve told ANI. Party leaders and Lalu loyalists are livid after Governor Keshari Nath Tripathi for pre-poning the swearing-in ceremony of Nitish at 10 am on Thursday. 

Tripathi had earlier invited Tejashwi Yadav and five other RJD MLAs for discussion.

Party offices across districts in Bihar will hold protest march at 12 afternoon: Ram Chandra Purve, RJD pic.twitter.com/hqlAP9Gems

— ANI (@ANI) July 26, 2017

RJD supporters block arterial roads in Patna

RJD supporters early on Thursday blocked the Mahatma Gandhi Setu, connecting north Bihar with Patna, over Nitish Kumar’s resignation.

RJD supporters block Mahatma Gandhi Setu, connecting north Bihar with Patna, over #NitishKumar's resignation and forming govt with the BJP

— ANI (@ANI) July 27, 2017

“Tejashwi was an excuse”

Reiterating his party’s stand, Tejashwi said, he was only an excuse for Nitish to join hands with the BJP. “Tejashwi ek bahaana tha, case, investigation ek bahana tha, inko (Nitish) BJP ke sath jana tha (I was an excuse, the investigation was an excuse. He just wanted to go with BJP),” Tejashwi told ANI.

राज्यपाल महोदय रातों रात फैसला क्यों बदल रहे है? निर्धारित शाम 5 बजे की जगह सुबह 10 बजे शपथ ग्रहण।हम राजभवन जा रहे है।

— Tejashwi Yadav (@yadavtejashwi) July 26, 2017

March to Governor house pic.twitter.com/Rp4KHugj9X

— Tejashwi Yadav (@yadavtejashwi) July 26, 2017

Tejashwi alleges Nitish locked up JD(U) MLAs in his house 

Nitish Ji if u hv belief in ur morality & honesty thn Y u hv caged JDU MLAs in ur https://t.co/0XdOQXDH8T thm,they wil tell ur morality rate

— Tejashwi Yadav (@yadavtejashwi) July 26, 2017

If Nitish Ji is proud of his moral values & honesty, He would not had been in midnight rush to stake claim for govt. Honest man doesn't fear

— Tejashwi Yadav (@yadavtejashwi) July 26, 2017

Half of JDU MLAs in our touch therefore Nitish Ji rushing to Raj Bhawan in midnight. Listen the inner voice of ur MLAs also

— Tejashwi Yadav (@yadavtejashwi) July 26, 2017

Nitish pre-planned the entire thing, says Tejashwi

​

The deputy chief minister of Bihar Tejashwi Prasad was livid when the time of swearing-in was changed from 5 pm to 10 am. An angry Tejashwi, in a series of tweets, charged Nitish of pretending to be “honest and moral.” 

Tagging Nitish Kumar’s resignation and the developments following it as pre-planned, Tejashwi Yadav on Thursday said that they have requested Bihar Governor Keshari Nath Tripathi to stall the swearing-in ceremony and give the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) a chance to prove majority on the floor.

“Each development seemed planned. It was all pre-decided. Why was everything done in such rush? His resignation, followed by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) backing him, and staking claim to form government within hours of resignation, proves it,” Tejashwi said, after meeting the Governor.

Nitish to swear-in as chief minister at 10 am

After the stunning political manoeuvre of former Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar, Tejashwi Prasad tweeted late on Wednesday night slamming Nitish for pre-poning his swearing-in ceremony. 

According to reports, Nitish and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Sushil Modi will take oath as Bihar Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister respectively on Thursday at 10 am. Modi confirmed the time and said that they had submitted a letter, with support of 132 MLAs.

He also said that they have given 10 am as the time for swearing-in, which initially was 5 pm.

Governor gv us time of 11AM and now suddenly has asked NDA for oath ceremony at 10AM. Why so much hurry & rush Mr. Honest & Moral?

— Tejashwi Yadav (@yadavtejashwi) July 26, 2017

#UPDATE: BJP's Anil Jain to visit Patna tomorrow with JP Nadda & not Sanjay Mayukh.

— ANI (@ANI) July 26, 2017

How the events around Nitish Kumar’s resignation unfolded 

9 am: JDU leader Shravan Kumar meets Nitish Kumar, says no joint meeting of Mahagathbandhan leaders

9.45 am: RJD leader Abdul Gafoor says RJD will defend Bihar deputy chief minister Tejashwi Yadav in Bihar Assembly

10 am: Shivanand Tiwari’s sharp criticism of Nitish Kumar after meeting Lalu Prasad Yadav was one of the earliest signs of split in Mahagathbandhan

10.15 pm: Governor Keshari Nath Tripathi cancels plan to visit Kolkata

10.30 am: Nitish Kumar cancels programme to visit Kargil chowk

12.00 noon: RJD legislative party meeting

2.10 pm: Lalu says Tejashwi Yadav won’t resign

02.20pm: Lalu Prasad Yadav cancels plan to fly to Ranchi

02.22 pm: Tejashwi Yadav defends himself, refuses to resign

5.00 pm: JD(U) legilsative party meeting

6.11 pm: News breaks out of Nitish Kumar visiting Raj Bhawan

6.45 pm: Nitish Kumar resigns

7.10 pm: BJP legislative party meeting

7.15 pm: Nitish speaks to the media, cites differences with RJD for resingation

7.30 pm: Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulates Nitish Kumar for fighting against graft

7.48 pm: Lalu hits back, underscores murder case against Nitish Kumar

8.15 pm: BJP anounces support to Nitish Kumar

9.30 pm: BJP MLAs arrive to meet Nitish

BJP and JDU leaders hold a meeting at Nitish Kumar’s residence in Patna

Bihar: Meeting of BJP-JDU MLAs & leaders at Nitish Kumar's residence in Patna. pic.twitter.com/CjgPKNmEXV

— ANI (@ANI) July 26, 2017

Bihar: Nitish Kumar's supporters gathered outside his residence in Patna. pic.twitter.com/fnd05BJiTx

— ANI (@ANI) July 26, 2017

Nitish Kumar to take oath as chief minister of Bihar at 5 pm on Thursday, reports ANI  

#FLASH Nitish Kumar to take oath as CM of Bihar at 5 pm tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/wJYXv4U58o

— ANI (@ANI) July 26, 2017

#FLASH Bihar Guv KN Tripathi admitted to Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences in Patna, due to an ENT (Ear, nose, throat) problem. pic.twitter.com/9ZW2dvyjRK

— ANI (@ANI) July 26, 2017

Sushil Kumar ​Modi will be deputy chief minister

State BJP president Nityanand Rai told News18 that the letter of support has been faxed to Raj Bhawan. “The new government will be formed tomorrow”, he said. The moment Sushil Modi reached Nitish’s residence, they hugged each other. Sources add that Sushil Kumar Modi will be deputy chief minister.

Lalu Prasad Yadav launches salvo against Nitish Kumar on Twitter 

When Nitish Kumar broke alliance with BJP in 2013 he choreographed & followed the same script to secure himself. He surrenders as per needs

— Lalu Prasad Yadav (@laluprasadrjd) July 26, 2017

बिहार में रिकॉर्ड तोड़ बहुमत BJP के विरुद्ध मिला था। अब उसी BJP के समर्थन से नीतीश सरकार चलाकर नैतिकता का रिकॉर्ड स्थापित करेंगे।

— Lalu Prasad Yadav (@laluprasadrjd) July 26, 2017

नैतिकता और भ्रष्टाचार की दुहाई देने वाले नीतीश को चुनाव में आना चाहिए।पता लग जायेगा जनता भ्रष्टाचार/नैतिकता की लड़ाई में कितना उनके साथ है?

— Lalu Prasad Yadav (@laluprasadrjd) July 26, 2017

JD (U) says Lalu used disrespectful words, no question of patch-up

JD (U) leader KC Tyagi said the decision of forming the Grand Alliance government in Bihar was “a mistake” and ruled out any possibility of patch-up with the RJD. Speaking to reporters after Lalu Prasad Yadav addressed the media in Patna, Tyagi said: “After such allegations, there is no point of going along with them. They (RJD) are now untouchable for us.” The JD-U spokesperson said that Nitish Kumar had never used harsh language against Lalu Prasad Yadav but the latter “used disrespectful words” for the JD-U president. “It is shameful. We regret our decision to run the government with such person (Lalu Prasad) for 20 months.

Meanwhile, Bihar Governor Keshari Nath Tripathi has been admitted to Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Science (IGIMS) hospital in Patna

Nitish Kumar likely to be sworn in as Bihar chief minister again on Thursday 

IANS reports that BJP will support Nitish Kumar to form the government in Bihar.  News18  reports that Nitish could be sworn in as the Bihar chief minister again on Thursday. The report adds that Sushil Kumar has sent the letter of support to Raj Bhawan, adding “Nitish Kumar will be our leader.”
 

#Breaking BJP will be part of new govt in Bihar: Sushil Modi. pic.twitter.com/Df749hK24N

— News18 (@CNNnews18) July 26, 2017

Was it an impromptu move or a well-scripted drama? 

Watching the Bihar developments unfold, it is difficult to avoid the impression that Nitish Kumar and BJP played out an intricately detailed, perfectly laid-out script. Consider the moves which started not on Wednesday but a day before when Nitish, unlike any other Opposition leaders except Sonia Gandhi, got a first-row seat during Ram Nath Kovind’s swearing-in as 14th President of India. Mamata Banerjee was seated in the last row while Arvind Kejriwal was left high and dry. On Wednesday, minutes after Nitish had resigned as Bihar chief minister, Narendra Modi sent out two tweets to congratulate him. Simultaneously, BJP’s state unit went into a core committee meeting while another meeting was going on in New Delhi. Shortly thereafter, BJP announced unconditional support to Nitish while he thanked prime minisiter on Twitter. Minutes later, all 53 BJP MLAs walked over to 1, Anne Marg, the official residence of the chief minister, and announced their support. The latest CNN News18 reports say that Nitish could stake claim for forming the government on Wednesday night itself. Janata Dal (United) has 71 MLAs. NDA’s 58 seats give Nitish enough numbers to form the government. One could say that it stretches credulity to think that there is no premeditation in these turn of events. It’s one more indication of how nimble-footed BJP is under the Narendra Modi-Amit Shah duopoly.

Secretary General of the Communist Party of India Sitaram Yechury reacts to Nitish Kumar’s resignation

A point to ponder. Bihar CM's resignation at this moment, when atrocities against Dalits and minorities are rising across India, helps whom?

— Sitaram Yechury (@SitaramYechury) July 26, 2017

Sushil Kumar Modi**, Nityanand Rai and other BJP MLAs reach Nitish Kumar’s residence in Patna for a meeting, reports ANI** 

#FLASH Sushil Modi, Nityanand Rai and other BJP MLAs reach Nitish Kumar's residence in Patna for a meeting of JDU-BJP MLAs pic.twitter.com/SP8hNogCIB

— ANI (@ANI) July 26, 2017

Nitish Kumar’s resignation as dramatic as his joining hands with Lalu Prasad Yadav in 2015 | PTI

Electrical engineer-turned-politician, Nitish Kumar gave a shock to RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav on Wednesday in circumstances as dramatic as in 2015 when he surprisingly joined hands with his arch rival to become the chief minister of Bihar for a fifth term.

Read the full story on political relations between Lalu and Nitish here .

BJP and JD(U) MLAs to go to governor’s house to stake claim | CNN-News18

#BREAKING BJP and JDU MLAs to go to Governor’s house to stake claim. report @prabhakarjourno pic.twitter.com/HF3CGfPuHB

— News18 (@CNNnews18) July 26, 2017

Nitish Kumar’s resignation has broken the back of corruption: Sambit Patra, BJP

'What has broken today is not just the mahagathbandhan but the back of corruption' @sambitswaraj to @Zakka_Jacob on #FaceoffAt9 pic.twitter.com/wGfUJYQarO

— News18 (@CNNnews18) July 26, 2017

BJP leaders JP Nadda and Sanjay Mayukh to visit Patna, tomorrow | ANI

BJP's JP Nadda & Sanjay Mayukh to visit Patna, tomorrow.

— ANI (@ANI) July 26, 2017

Nitish Kumar has called RJD’s bluff: Meenakshi Lekhi, BJP

My respect for Nitish Kumar has increased multifold 🙏 , who has chosen to call off the bluff & take a stand against corruption

— Meenakashi Lekhi (@M_Lekhi) July 26, 2017