The first casualty of the BJP’s strategic alliance with the JD(U) appears to be the party’s Bihar unit president Samrat Choudhary. Mr Choudhary also holds the position of deputy chief minister of Bihar. Sources revealed that long-standing tensions between Mr Choudhary and Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar could lead to significant changes within the BJP.
The simmering rift has intensified speculation about a potential organisational reshuffle in the state, with pressure mounting on the BJP to address the discord. With the Assembly elections due in April-May 2025 in Bihar, the JD(U) will now mount pressure on the Centre for special package and special category status (SSC) for the state. Pressure could also be mounted for reducing Central taxes levied on Bihar.
JD(U) national secretary K.C. Tyagi on Wednesday made it clear that the JD(U) was firm on getting the special status for the state.
Speaking to a TV channel, JDU) spokesperson Arvind Nishad went on record saying that “special status for Bihar has been a long-standing demand.” He said: “When Narendra Modi takes the oath as Prime Minister for the third time, the people of Bihar expect a special package.” It was learnt that the Bihar CM did not meet Mr Choudhary, who went to his residence Tuesday to congratulate him for the JD(U)’s spectacular performance in the Lok Sabha polls.
The JD(U) won 12 Lok Sabha berths from Bihar. A senior party leader from the state said the “rift” between Mr Kumar and Mr Choud.
