Poll results: Nitish Kumar likely to emerge stronger in NDA

PATNA: The results Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Telangana and Mizoram assembly elections on Wednesday are likely to influence the political scenario in Bihar as well, observers feel.

The political observers also feel the results in Rajasthan, Chattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh where BJP was in power will make NDA partner and JD(U) national president Nitish Kumar stronger in Bihar while Congress is likely to exert pressure on RJD for higher number of parliamentary seats in the state.

Economist and member secretary of Patna-based Asian Development Research Institute (ADRI) Shaibal Gupta said the adverse results for BJP in the backdrop of RLSP chief Upendra Kushwaha’s exit from NDA would act as a catalyst in the formation of a strong anti-NDA coalition in Bihar. “Grand Alliance will be strengthened in Bihar with back-to-back blow to BJP. The results of the three BJP-ruled states in favour of Congress will play a decisive factor in coalition politics not only in Bihar but across the country,” Gupta told TOI.

He further said another impact of Tuesday results would be in the form of Nitish becoming the most sought-after ally in the NDA. “Nitish’s brand value is still intact; hence, his stature is bound to increase with downsizing of BJP,” Gupta said.

DM Diwakar, professor of economics at Patna-based A N Sinha Institute of Social Studies, also feels BJP will now give more weight to Nitish in Bihar. “They (BJP) have seen the election results of other states. Hence, they will definitely try to use Nitish’s shoulder. This will make them able to shift the entire responsibility of general election preparedness on Nitish. That way, Nitish will also enjoy an upper hand,” Diwakar said.

The somewhat “dismal” performance of BJP has also given its rebel leaders like cine star-turned-politician and Patna Sahib MP Shatrughan Sinha to make another alibi for distancing themselves from the party. “Kahin khushi kahin gam! Didn’t I warn you about the writing on the wall! And that truth shall prevail? Hard hitting, hard core and well deserving! Truth has prevailed at last … Those who have lost, thanks to their arrogance, poor performance or over ambition — also deserves heartfelt condolences. Hope wish and pray that wisdom & good sense prevails upon them soon ... sooner the better,” Shatru tweeted on Tuesday.

The tussle for supremacy is likely to be seen in the Grand Alliance as well. Bihar Congress working president Kaukab Quadri categorically said his party would not go to the election as a “B or C player” of the alliance with RJD. “Though we acknowledge the position of RJD as a strong regional party here, but it should be understood that Congress is going to lead the Opposition in general election and seat-sharing arrangements should be done accordingly,” Quadri said.