The political landscape in Bihar is experiencing turbulence as 12 MLAs from Lalu Yadav’s Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) have gone missing just before the crucial floor test scheduled for February 12. This development has significant implications for Nitish Kumar’s government and Tejashwi Yadav’s leadership.
Tejashwi Yadav’s ‘Khela Baaki Hai’
In response to Nitish Kumar’s departure from the Mahagathbandhan alliance to join hands with the BJP, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav famously remarked, “Khela Baaki Hai” (The game is not over yet). This statement now seems prophetic as a new political game unfolds against his party.
12 Missing RJD MLAs: Cause for Concern
Reports indicate that 12 RJD MLAs, including notable figures like Chetan Anand and Nilam Devi, are untraceable just days before the crucial floor test. This development raises questions about the stability and unity within the RJD camp.
Potential Impact on Tejashwi’s Leadership
The absence of 12 RJD MLAs poses a significant challenge to Tejashwi Yadav’s leadership and credibility. While the JDU-BJP alliance already holds a comfortable majority, any internal rebellion within the RJD could further weaken Tejashwi’s position and tarnish his image.
Numerical Dynamics: JDU-BJP Coalition vs. RJD
Nitish Kumar’s JDU boasts 43 seats, complemented by the BJP’s 74 seats and HAM’s four, totalling 127—a majority five more than the required mark of 122. Conversely, the RJD, with 79 MLAs, now faces a setback with the disappearance of 12 members, potentially impacting its ability to challenge the ruling coalition.
Key Players Among Missing MLAs
Among the missing MLAs are significant figures like Sheohar MLA Chetan Anand, son of Anand Mohan, and Mokama MLA Nilam Devi, wife of former MLA Ananat Singh. Their absence compounds the challenges faced by the RJD ahead of the critical floor test.
Nitish Kumar’s Ninth Term as CM
Nitish Kumar’s historic ninth term as Bihar’s Chief Minister began on January 28 following his alignment with the BJP. This latest development further underscores the fluidity and unpredictability of Bihar’s political landscape.
Potential Support for the NDA Government
If the missing RJD MLAs extend support to Nitish Kumar’s NDA government during the floor test, the ruling coalition would command a formidable strength of 139 MLAs in the assembly, consolidating their hold on power.
Conclusion: Uncertainty Looms
As Bihar braces for the impending floor test, the disappearance of 12 RJD MLAs adds layers of complexity and uncertainty to the political scenario. The outcome of this test will not only determine the fate of Nitish Kumar’s government but also have far-reaching implications for the state’s political future and the leadership of Tejashwi Yadav.
-Prisha Jaiswal