Ahead of Bihar election, CM Nitish Kumar meets Lalu-Tejashwi, political speculations pick up
It is being seen as a major political development that Chief Minister Nitish Kumar met with the Leader of Opposition in the Bihar Assembly, Tejashwi Yadav. The following day, Lalu Prasad Yadav called for a meeting of all RJD MLAs, MLCs, and former assembly candidates. The meeting between Nitish Kumar and Tejashwi Yadav at the Chief Minister's Secretariat was not a sudden occurrence but a pre-scheduled one.
The two leaders met to discuss the appointment of the State Information Commissioner, a decision overseen by a committee that includes the Chief Minister, the Leader of Opposition, and a cabinet minister. However, political circles are buzzing more about the possibility of a new political alliance than the potential candidates for the Information Commissioner role.
After the meeting, Tejashwi clarified the situation when speaking to the media. He stated that discussions were held with the Chief Minister regarding upcoming appointments and that the government would provide official details soon. He also mentioned that he discussed the issue of including the 65% reservation quota in the Ninth Schedule of the Constitution. While the matter is currently in court, Tejashwi affirmed that he, too, will present his side in court, and the government will do the same.
In the meantime, Lalu Yadav has issued a directive for a meeting with RJD legislators, MLCs, and former election candidates. The official reason given for the meeting is to strengthen the party's organizational structure. Tejashwi Yadav is set to embark on a "Gratitude Journey" across Bihar starting on September 10, and it is believed that Lalu Yadav is preparing a strategy to ensure the success of this tour, hence the gathering of party leaders.
While Nitish Kumar and Tejashwi Yadav were meeting at the Bihar Secretariat, Lalu Yadav simultaneously called for his leaders' meeting, adding to the political buzz in Bihar. Although Tejashwi explained that the purpose of his meeting with Nitish was solely to discuss the Information Commissioner's appointment, speculation persists that the meeting had broader political implications. JDU’s National Chief Spokesperson, Rajiv Ranjan Prasad, also emphasized that this meeting should not be seen from a political lens, stating that it was merely a constitutional process where the Leader of Opposition provides input on certain appointments.
This was the second meeting between Nitish Kumar and Tejashwi Yadav within the span of three to four days.