Nitish Kumar Backs Modi for Third Term, Dismisses INDIA Bloc’s Efforts

Summary  

Nitish Kumar Backs Modi for Third Term, Dismisses INDIA Bloc’s Efforts Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar officially endorsed Narendra Modi for a third term as Prime Minister during a meeting of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance’s (NDA) newly elected MPs. Kumar also criticized his former allies in the opposition INDIA Bloc, stating they “have not done any work for the country,” and affirmed his loyalty to Modi by declaring, “I will be with PM at all times.”

Kumar’s endorsement came amid speculation that the INDIA Bloc, which won 232 seats and curtailed the BJP’s lead, had reached out to him. The BJP, with 240 seats, needs support from allies like Kumar’s Janata Dal (United) and Chandrababu Naidu’s Telugu Desam Party to form a majority government.

Despite rumors of a possible reunion with the INDIA Bloc, sources close to Kumar confirmed ongoing talks with the BJP over ministerial positions, with the JDU seeking specific roles, including the Railways Minister post. Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha reiterated Kumar’s commitment to the NDA.

Earlier, Modi criticized the Congress for failing to secure over 100 seats in recent elections and will be sworn in as Prime Minister on Sunday.