'Driving Change, Not Chaos': JD(U) Recalibrates On UGC Draft, Wants To Be A ‘Constructive Ally’
This change in tone is indicative of the JD(U)’s careful navigation of a politically sensitive issue, specially at a time when the state is preparing for elections this year.
Nitish Kumar’s Janata Dal (United) seems to be recalibrating its position on the proposed UGC draft rules following some instances of expressing concern from some corners including the top leadership of the party. However, the party appears to have softened its stance on the issue. Even though the JDU is yet to examine the draft in detail, it is now inclined to align with the government.
The senior leaders of the party, however, maintain that they would give their ‘suggestions’ to the government as and when it is required, but for that they need to go through the draft first. The current stand of the party on the issue signals a political and strategic shift in its approach.
related stories
Also Read: UGC Draft Rules: Why Are States Objecting To Centre’s Plan To Appoint Vice-Chancellors?
This change in tone is indicative of the JD(U)’s careful navigation of a politically sensitive issue, specially at a time when the state is preparing for elections this year.
Talking to News 18, a senior leader said, “We are yet to go through the draft. We will declare our stand once we see the draft, discuss and deliberate in the party."
Driving ‘change, not chaos’
Initially, the party raised concerns over the draft, hinting at its reservations and also about its potential impact. However, the recent softening suggests that Kumar is now taking a calculated move to avoid direct confrontation with the ruling dispensation at the centre. As one of the major allies in NDA, Nitish Kumar’s party has earlier expressed its concern over several policy issues, and also spoke about the caste census.
According to insiders, this is part of a broader strategy to maintain its relevance in the national political landscape while balancing its alliance dynamics. Another senior leader said that the party will always give its ‘suggestions’ to the NDA government and the government has always been ‘open’. “We are here to be constructive, to bring change, not chaos," he added.
Meanwhile, the JD(U)’s readiness to align with the government, despite not having reviewed the draft fully, indicates a recognition of the political cost of opposition.
The party seems to have focused on preserving its relationship with the BJP-led government, prioritising pragmatism over ideological rigidity. This shift also shows that the JD(U) is trying to position itself as a constructive partner in national policy making rather than an outright critic or a disruptor.
- Location :
- First Published: