Flutter as ‘Kingmaker’ Nitish Kumar Tries to Touch Modi’s Feet – The New Indian Express

Flutter as ‘Kingmaker’ Nitish Kumar Tries to Touch Modi’s Feet – The New Indian Express

Keywords: Nitish Kumar, Narendra Modi, Flutter, Bihar Assembly Elections, NDA, Mahagathbandhan

Introduction

In a dramatic turn of events, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, who had just broken his alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), was seen trying to touch Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s feet during the latter’s visit to the state. This unexpected gesture has sent ripples through the political landscape and raised questions about the future of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in Bihar.

Nitish’s Touch

On September 12, 2022, PM Modi visited Bihar to inaugurate various development projects. As he arrived at the stage, Nitish Kumar, who was seated in the front row, abruptly got up and rushed towards Modi, attempting to touch his feet. Modi, however, quickly gestured to Kumar to stop.

Political Interpretation

Political analysts have interpreted Nitish’s gesture as a sign of respect for PM Modi and an attempt to appease the BJP while keeping the door open for a potential reconciliation in the future. It is worth noting that Nitish Kumar’s Janata Dal (United) has joined hands with the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and other opposition parties to form the Mahagathbandhan against the NDA in the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections.

Implications for NDA

Nitish Kumar’s gesture has reignited speculation about a possible split within the NDA. Some analysts believe that Nitish may be exploring options to return to the NDA fold if the Mahagathbandhan fails to secure a majority in the upcoming elections. However, others argue that Nitish’s move is merely symbolic and does not represent any concrete plans for a political realignment.

Conclusion

The significance of Nitish Kumar’s attempt to touch PM Modi’s feet remains unclear. It could be a genuine expression of respect or a calculated political maneuver. As the Bihar Assembly elections draw near, it remains to be seen whether Nitish will choose to align with the BJP or the Mahagathbandhan, and whether his gesture will have any lasting impact on the political landscape of the state.