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Options Bihar is left with after Nitish's firm stand against Lalu and Tejashwi Yadav

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Ashok Upadhyay
Ashok UpadhyayJul 14, 2017 | 22:49

Options Bihar is left with after Nitish's firm stand against Lalu and Tejashwi Yadav

The fratricidal battle to reign over Patliputra, the land of Chanakya, has intensified within Bihar’s ruling dispensation. The modern-day Kautilya of Bihar, Nitish Kumar, has taken a stand against his friend-turned-foe-turned-friend Lalu Prasad Yadav.

The JD(U) is seeking the resignation of Bihar’s deputy chief minister and Lalu Yadav's son Tejashwi Prasad Yadav. The Yadav-led Rashtriya Janata Dal is adamant that Tejashwi won’t resign.

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While the JD(U) and RJD maintain their respective stands for and against Tejashwi’s resignation, the Congress party has tried to find a middle path. Sonia Gandhi has reportedly spoken to both Lalu and Nitish.

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Lalu Yadav with Tejashwi and Rabri Devi after the raids.

In the present political standoff, what are the options for Nitish Kumar? Let’s have a look at what he can do:

Scenario one

As asked by JD(U), deputy chief minister Tejashwi resigns and Lalu nominates someone else from the party as deputy CM. Names doing the rounds to replace Tejashwi are state finance minister Abdul Bari Siddiqui, MLA Lalit Yadav, and health minister Tej Pratap Yadav, also the son of Lalu Yadav.

If Congress’ mediation succeeds, we may expect this outcome.

Impact

Government runs as it is and the alliance remains intact.

Scenario two

RJD break ranks with Nitish if the JD(U) persists with its demands for the resignation of Tejashwi Yadav. All its ministers may resign from Nitish’s cabinet. But given RJD’s tough anti-BJP stand, it will offer outside support to the JD(U).

Impact

Though Nitish remains chief minister, his government becomes weak.

Scenario three

Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar sacks Tejashwi and Lalu goes all out against him. In that eventuality, the BJP extends support to Nitish Kumar. The BJP is already putting pressure on Bihar CM to get rid of Tejashwi Yadav and also offering outside support.

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Impact

This government may not be stable and Nitish’s secular image will be severely damaged.

Scenario four

Nitish Kumar and Lalu Yadav part on a bitter note on the issue of Tejashwi and become sworn enemies. Nitish may join the NDA. He may become part of the BJP-led ruling dispensation and in turn they might become allies in the state government.

Impact

This will be a stable government but Nitish’s prime-ministerial ambitions will end. Let’s see how the Bihar potboiler pans out.

Last updated: July 14, 2017 | 22:49
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