Bihar Political Crisis LIVE: Nitish Kumar targets PM Modi, Tejashwi makes 'bumper' promise

Trinamool Congress MP Shatrughan Sinha, who previously represented the Patna Sahib constituency in Parliament, said that the BJP was planning something big in the state but did not give details, calling it a "sensitive" issue.

"BJP government was planning a big khela in Bihar. We have come to know this through reliable sources. Two-three ministers were also involved in that. I cannot reveal much yet as it is a sensitive issue," Sinha said. Read Full Story.

As Nitish Kumar dumped his ally BJP to form a new government with Mahagathbandhan including RJD in Bihar, former Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad on Wednesday questioned the change of stance by the JD(U) leader while also accusing him of siding with "corruption and Congressism".

Prasad also asked if Kumar's politics which is around "non-Congressism", has finished, adding that it was the BJP that made him a big leader.

The remarks of the BJP leader came hours before the swearing-in ceremony of Nitish Kumar as the Bihar Chief Minister for the 8th time.

However, RJD leader Manoj Jha called the move a "ghar wapasi of 2017-2020 mandate".

The political developments in Bihar have dramatically changed the 2024 Lok Sabha polls scenario, especially for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Swaraj India Party president Yogendra Yadav said on Wednesday.

He also said the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) has become defunct as many allies of the BJP have deserted the saffron party one after another.
 

The CPIML (L) Wednesday said it is seeking a common minimum programme from the new Bihar government while promising outside support to it.  

We are proposing that a common minimum programme of the new government be created, Dipankar Bhattacharya, general secretary of the CPIML (L) said at a press conference held here on Wednesday.

"We do not wish to be in the ministry," Bhattacharya said, while promising "creative and critical cooperation from outside" to the new government in Bihar.

He said that the party will provide policy inputs and help the government in policy making and implementation.
 

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has shown its true colours, the Shiv Sena said on Wednesday as former Bihar deputy chief minister Sushil Kumar Modi's remarks that BJP "broke" the Uddhav Thackeray-led party triggered a war of words.        

Shiv Sena leader Ambadas Danve, who was appointed the Leader of Opposition in the Maharashtra Legislative Council on Tuesday, said the BJP's strategy is to form an alliance with a party and then weaken it. 

The BJP has shown its true colours, he said while responding to a query on Sushil Kumar Modi's remarks. 
 

'Everyone supported us today': JDU holds news briefing after Nitish Kumar takes oath as Bihar CM for the 8th time; tune in to watch it here -  

"Today 'Palturam' became 'Kalturam'. I came to know that Lalu Yadav congratulated him (Nitish Kumar). Lalu Yadav once tweeted that he is a snake, like a snake sheds its skin, he sheds his alliance and takes a new one every two years," Union Minister and BJP leader Giriraj Singh said in Patna. 
 

"Bihar did what country needs to do. We've shown them a way. Our fight has been against unemployment. Our CM felt pain of poor & youth. We'll give bumper jobs within one month to poor & youth, it'll be something so grand that its never happened before," said Bihar Dy CM, Tejashwi Yadav.

Tejaswi Yadav has reached the residence of Rabri Devi following his oath-taking ceremony as the Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar. Celebrations were witnessed outside the Rabri residence.

Hinting at national ambitions, Bihar CM Nitish Kumar averred, "Whether I am CM or not, he (Narendra Modi) won't be PM in 2024". He added, "I would like all (opposition) to be united for 2024. I am not a contender for any such post (on PM post)".

Speaking to the media after taking oath as the Bihar CM, Nitish Kumar said, "I didn't want to become CM after the elections but I was given the responsibility... and you saw what was happening recently". He also vowed to strengthen opposition politics. 

Taking a dig at BJP's dharna over the formation of the Mahagatbandhan government, Bihar Deputy CM Tejashwi Yadav said, " When the time was to give special status to Bihar, (you didn't do anything). You are still in power at the Centre. Stage a dharna in Delhi outside the Prime Minister's Office." 

The family of Bihar's Deputy CM Tejashwi Yadav expressed their delight after the oath ceremony. "I thank everyone," said his wife Rajshri "It's good for the people of Bihar, I thank them. All are happy," ex-CM Rabri Devi said. 

Nitish Kumar took oath as the CM of Bihar for a record 8th time. He was administered the oath of office and secrecy by Governor Phagu Chauhan.

RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav was sworn in as the new Deputy CM of Bihar by Governor Phagu Chauhan. 

Bihar Governor Phagu Chauhan arrived at the Raj Bhawan. Nitish Kumar's oath-taking ceremony to commence shortly.

Top leaders including Nitish Kumar and Tejashwi Yadav arrived at the Raj Bhawan in Patna for the oath-taking ceremony.

The countdown is on for the swearing-in of the new Mahagathbandhan government in Bihar.

Speaking to the media, NCP supremo Sharad Pawar hailed Nitish Kumar for severing ties with JDU. He opined, "The BJP national president made a speech somewhere recently and he himself said that regional parties have no future. They will cease to exist. And only our party will remain in the country. One thing is clear from this. Nitish Kumar complained that BJP is slowly finishing its allies. A big example of that of a big party like the Akali Dal in Punjab. A big leader like Parkash Singh Badal was with them. Today, that party is on the verge of extinction. Shiv Sena and BJP were together in Maharashtra for many years. Today, BJP has tried to weaken the Shiv Sena by dividing it. Eknath Shinde and others helped them." 

He elaborated, "The same situation was visible in Bihar. Nitish Kumar is a leader who has acceptance among people. In the last election, Nitish Kumar and BJP contested together. But BJP has one more specialty. It comes together at the time of election and tries to ensure that less number of candidates of the ally get elected. The Bihar CM was vigilant, tendered his resignation and decided to part ways with BJP. " 

As per sources, Bihar Governor Phagu Chauhan asked the Nitish Kumar-led government to prove its majority on the floor of the Assembly within 14 days' time. 

Former Bihar Deputy CM Sushil Kumar Modi held a press briefing and hit back at JDU over its claim that RCP Singh had become a Union Minister without the consent of Nitish Kumar. Tune in to watch -

The newly formed Mahagatbandhan government in Bihar is likely to have 35 Ministers including CM Nitish Kumar. While RJD will have 15 Ministers, JDU will have to settle for 13 Ministerial berths. On the other hand, Congress and HAM(S) might get 4 and 1 Ministries respectively.

Multiple BJP leaders called out Nitish Kumar's flip-flop politics. Former Bihar Deputy CM Sushil Kumar Modi will hold a briefing at 1 pm.

As per sources, Tejashwi Yadav will first visit Nitish Kumar's residence with MLAs of the Mahagatbandhan and then head towards the Raj Bhavan for the oath-taking ceremony. 

Sources told Republic TV that Nitish Kumar has spoken to his arch-rival Lalu Prasad Yadav. Yadav thanked him for returning to the Mahagatbandhan. As per sources, Kumar will retain the Home portfolio. 

MLAs of the newly formed Mahagatbandhan moved a no-confidence motion against Speaker Vijay Sinha who is from BJP. 

Republic TV is reporting live from BJP's Patna protest ahead of Nitish Kumar and Tejashwi Yadav's oath-taking ceremony.

Bharatiya Janata Party leaders in Patna raise slogans of 'Nitish Kumar murdabad' after he broke alliance with the party, and formed a 'Mahagathbandhan' for a new government.

The Mahagatbandhan will move a motion for the removal of Bihar Assembly Speaker Vijay Sinha who is a BJP member. 

Speaking to the media, RJD MP Manoj Jha said, "It's not only a government that'll take oath, it's 'ghar wapasi' of 2017-2020 mandate. It's very important, especially in an era where BJP has decided to mangle democratic values - that only they would remain. Bihar gave a message. It's an oath of the people of Bihar." 

'No big, national impact': Prashant Kishor spoke to Republic TV on the impact of the Mahagatbandhan experiment. 

Political strategist Prashant Kishor broke his silence on the Bihar political crisis. Tune in to watch here.

"We have worked for development in Bihar, never insulted Nitish Kumar," BJP's Shahnawaz Hussain who served as a Cabinet Minister in the Bihar government told Republic TV. 

Speaking to the media, former Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said, "Nitish Kumar has been a non-Congress leader. His politics is around non-Congressism. Is that finished? Compromise with corruption and non-Congressism! Nitish Kumar sided with corruption and Congressism. Congratulations. People will give a reply in LS and Assembly polls." 

Speaking on his Tweet, Union Giriraj Singh told Republic TV, "He had ambitions in 2010. People have raised his expectations now dubbing him 'PM material'". "Nitish Kumar keeps on switching sides. The people are witnessing this. The people will give them a befitting response. We will go to the people," he added.

In the new Mahagatbandhan government, JDU will retain the Ministerial posts which it held in the erstwhile regime. The rest of the portfolios such as Finance, Urban Development and Housing, Disaster Management, Environment & Forest, IT, BC & EBC Welfare, Industry, Panchayat Raj, Health, Road Construction, Art, Culture & Youth Affairs,  Agriculture, Co-operatives, Sugar Cane Industries, Animal Husbandry & Fisheries, Tourism, Law, Transport, Revenue & Land Reforms, Public Health Engineering Department, Mines & Geology and Labour Resources will be divided among Congress, RJD and other allies. 

Speaking to Republic TV, Bihar BJP chief Sanjay Jaiswal said, "Nitish Kumar is a habitual cheater. At a time when Bihar was on the path to progress for the first time, industries and jobs were in the pipeline, he did this as a part of a conspiracy. For 10 years, the question was asked as to why there is no probe into the IRCTC scam. When the probe into the IRCTC scam has commenced, their (JDU's) interest is that RJD will be finished and we will capture RJD. Tejashwi was compelled to do this after Bhola Yadav's arrest. He feels that if we can form the government in Bihar in any way, we will get relief from this scam." 

As per sources, 2 or 3 more Ministers apart from CM Nitish Kumar and Deputy CM Tejashwi Yadav might be sworn in today. This includes JDU's Vijendra Yadav and Vijay Choudhary and RJD's Tej Pratap Yadav. 

Ahead of the swearing-in ceremony of the Mahagatbandhan government, RJD tweeted, "The rising dictatorship which is engulfing Indian democracy has started to come down. Once again, Bihar has shown the way to the country." 

Speaking to the media, RJD leader Tej Pratap Yadav remarked, "After the formation of the government, everyone will get employment. Just as Tejashwi Ji had promised 10 lakh jobs, that time has come. His (Nitish Kumar's) entry was possible because I removed the 'No Entry' board. Now, we have to take Bihar to greater heights."

He added, "Are we going to get scared of ED and CBI? If we haven't done anything wrong, why should we be afraid? We are not afraid. The BJP government unleashes ED and CBI against innocent persons." 

BJP mocked RJD supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav over his 2017 tweet where he described Nitish Kumar as a snake. When Kumar had quit the Mahagatbandhan back then, Yadav had remarked, "Nitish is a snake, just like a snake sheds its skin, so Nitish also sheds its skin and wears a new skin like a snake every two years. Doubt anyone"? Digging up this tweet, Union Minister Giriraj Singh jibed, "The snake has entered your house". 

Taking a dig at Bihar CM for quitting NDA, Haryana Home Minister Anil Vij quipped, "Nitish Kumar is a migratory bird. It is their nature to jump from one branch to another. By mistake some birds have gathered on a branch. Who does not know when to fly where, it is only a matter of a few days." 

Today, Nitish Kumar will create a unique record as he will be sworn in as the CM for the 8th time. The earlier occasions when he took oath as the CM are: March 2000, November 2005, November 2010, February 2015, November 2015, July 2017, November 2020. 

Taking a swipe at BJP, Congress communications in-charge Jairam Ramesh contrasted the change of guard in Bihar to that of Maharashtra which entailed Shiv Sena MLAs rebelling and staying in resorts outside the state for a brief while. 

Reacting to Nitish Kumar joining hands with RJD again, former PM HD Deve Gowda said, "I have been watching the developments in Bihar. It made me think of the days when the Janata Dal Parivar was under one roof. It gave three PMs. I am in my advanced years, but if the younger generation decides it can offer a good alternative to this great nation." 

Taking on his former party JDU, ex-Union Minister RCP Singh opined, " Betrayal of the mandate of 2020 given by the people of Bihar in favor of NDA."

In protest against Nitish Kumar's decision to walk out of NDA, senior BJP leaders will sit on a dharna in front of the party's state office at 10 am. In a press release, BJP accused JDU of insulting the people's mandate in the 2020 election and asserted that they will teach a lesson to the party. A maha dharna will be organized at the district headquarters and block headquarters on August 12 and 13 respectively. 

With the re-forging of the Mahagathbandhan complete, and the claim on the government in Bihar staked, AIMIM came up with grievances on Tuesday. Sources in the party told Republic that no one ever called the AIMIM for being a part of the Mahagathbandhan or extending support to the government. Pertinently, in June, four of the five AIMIM MLAs in Bihar joined RJD. The four MLAs - Muhammed Izhar Asfi, Shahnawaz Alam (Jokihat), Syed Ruknuddin and Azhar Nayeemi joined RJD, with Akhtarul Iman as the lone MLA of AIMIM in the 242-Member Bihar Assembly. 

"RJD induced 4 of our MLAs away, perhaps for this reason. We expected something like this when our MLAs were snatched'," sources in the party said, on the condition of anonymity.

Swearing in of Nitish Kumar and Tejashwi Yadav as Chief Minister and Deputy CM respectively will take place at 2 pm on Wednesday, highly placed sources told PTI. It will be a simple ceremony to be held inside Raj Bhavan.

More ministers will be inducted into the cabinet at a later stage, sources in Kumar's JD(U) and Yadav's RJD said.

Kumar, who dumped the BJP-led NDA earlier in the day, will be taking oath as the CM for the eighth time. He will be heading a coalition of seven parties which is supported by an Independent.

After Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar snapped his ties with the NDA and planned to form the government with the Mahagathbandhan, Union minister and senior BJP leader Giriraj Singh came down heavily upon Kumar and said his 'PM aspirations' has again cropped up and the people of the state will teach him a lesson.

Singh claimed that Nitish Kumar wants to become the Prime Minister of the country. "The ambition to become the Prime Minister has taken shape in him (Nitish Kumar). He doesn't have a place in the NDA but now, he will have no place among the people of the country. The people of Bihar will teach him a lesson again," said Giriraj Singh. 

After Nitish Kumar flip over to the RJD, BJP's Ravi Shankar Prasad reminded him how in the General elections of 2019 and Assembly elections in 2020, the JDU won in the name of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. 

"In spite of JDU getting a very limited number of seats, Modi Ji announced that Nitish Kumar will be the Chief Minister...You have betrayed the mandate of Bihar. You have always insulted the mandate of Bihar. What morale standard do you have?" asked Prasad, speaking exclusively to Republic Media Network after he, along with Sushil Kumar Modi landed in Patna amid the political turmoil. 

BJP's Sushil Kumar Modi, the former Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar under Nitish himself, has stated that the respect JD(U) got from the BJP, they will not get from any other party.

Speaking to the media on August 9, Sushil Modi said, "It's a white lie that RCP Singh was made a minister on the recommendation of the BJP against Nitish Kumar's will. Be it Atal ji's government or Modi ji's government, JD(U) has always been respected by the BJP. It's impossible that they'll get the same respect elsewhere."

While bashing allegations of the BJP trying to 'break' the JD(U), the BJP leader added," We needed around 40 MLAs to form the government, if we broke their party, we wouldn't have been successful in forming a government."

Nitish Kumar, once seen as a potential rival to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, broke ranks with the BJP-led NDA coalition Tuesday to stake claim as head of the rival 'Mahagathbandhan' (Grand Alliance) to be chief minister of Bihar for the eighth time.

Kumar, 71, who earlier in the day submitted his resignation as the chief minister heading the NDA coalition, said he submitted a list of 164 MLAs to Governor Phagu Chauhan, who is likely to swear him and a small cabinet into office at 2 pm on Wednesday at Raj Bhavan.

The effective strength of the state Assembly is 242 and the magic figure is 122.

RJD's leader Tejashwi Yadav will be the deputy chief minister and the new cabinet will have representatives from the RJD and Congress besides JD(U), according to sources. The Left parties are likely to give outside support to the new government "retaining their independent identity".

Besides upsetting political calculations, the move is seen as significant as it diminishes the clout of the BJP in a key state in the Hindi-speaking heartland from where most of its legislators come ahead of the 2024 general elections, which pundits expect it to otherwise win.

Kumar told newspersons outside the Raj Bhavan, It was decided at the party meeting that we quit the NDA. I have, therefore, resigned as the NDA's Chief Minister.

(PTI)

The Congress is likely to get four ministerial berths in the new government in Bihar as JD(U) leader Nitish Kumar snapped ties with the BJP and joined hands with the RJD-led alliance, sources said on Tuesday.

Sources said Kumar spoke to both Congress president Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi soon after resigning from his post of chief minister. He is also learnt to have thanked the Congress leadership for extending support in the formation of the new government.

Besides the four ministerial berths, the Congress has also sought the post of Speaker of the state assembly, but Kumar is not keen on giving that, sources said.

The Congress has 19 MLAs in the 243-member Bihar Assembly while the JD(U) has 45, RJD 79, CPI(ML) 12, and CPI and CPI(M) each have two legislators. The BJP has 77 MLAs in Bihar while the Jitan Ram Manjhi-led  Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM) has 4. The House has one Independent MLA while one seat is vacant.

(With agency inputs)

Nitish Kumar, who is again set to become Bihar's Chief Minister in a new alliance with the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and the Indian National Congress (INC) dialled Sonia Gandhi and expressed his gratitude for the support. 

"Nitish Kumar called Congress interim President Sonia Gandhi and MP Rahul Gandhi to express his gratitude for supporting Mahagathbandhan and forming the government in Bihar", the grand old party told ANI. 

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to stage a dharna tomorrow at 10 am in Patna. All the top leaders are expected to be present ahead of the oath taking ceremony. 

In a press release, the saffron party said, "In the coming elections, the people of Bihar will teach them a lesson. Under the leadership of Narendra Modi ji, we all got majority in the 2020 Vidhan Sabha but they have insulted public opinion. The activists will sit on a dharna in front of the Bharatiya Janata Party's state office from 10 am tomorrow, against the betrayal. Senior BJP leaders will be present in this dharna. On August 12, a Mahadharna will be organized at the district headquarters and on august 13 at the block headquarters."

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Former Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad joined Republic's Debate at 9 to speak on the prevailing political crisis in Bihar, with the fallout of the NDA alliance. The BJP leader said, "Mr Nitish Kumar, do you have any consistency and propriety? We will see in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections and 2025 Bihar elections." 

As the Mahagathbhandhan alliance is set to form a government in Bihar, AIMIM sources lambasted the alliance and said, "No one spoke to us about the Mahagathbandhan alliance. RJD took our MLAs away though inducement. No one contacted us from MGB alliance. Expected something like this when our MLAs were snatched. 4 MLAs were taken by RJD perhaps for this reason."

In a major update, The JD(U)-RJD led 'Mahagathbandhan' (Grand Alliance) in Bihar is set to take oath at 2pm,on Wednesday. This comes after Nitish Kumar and Tejashwi Yadav met the Governor. 

Speaking exclusively to Republic, RJD's Tej Pratap Yadav said, "The new govt will run with the help of gathbandhan. PM Modi is paltu ram. Whatever responsibility I will get, I will fulfill it. Sushil Modi was my father's private secretary, so Modi ji copies Lalu Prasad Yadav. BJP will never form a govt in bihar. First let us work in Bihar for the youth. We don't know what will happen in 2024."

Blasting Nitish Kumar for walking out of NDA, Senior BJP leader Ravi Shankar Prasad addressed a press brief, and said, "You fought 2020 elections  with BJP. At that time BJP was correct ? You won 2020 elections in the name of PM Modi. In 2019 you won on the name of PM Modi. How can you say that BJP tried to weaken you ? Instead PM Modi ji made you the CM, and everyone was in support of the decision. You are disrespecting the wishes of the people of Bihar. Today you're pushing Bihar into the dirt of corruption again."

Fuming over the Bihar political crisis, BJP MP Rajiv Pratap Rudy lambasted Nitish Kumar and said, "Nitish Kumar abandoned NDA, Nitish Kumar was not being abandoned. Despite having fewer numbers in 2020, he was accepted NDA in the last election. He is answerable about this. The alliance that was thrown long back on charges of corruption what made him to go back?"

As the BJP continues to fume over Nitish Kumar for joining hands with the Mahagathbandhan alliance, the saffron party on Tuesday will hold another press conference on at 7:30 PM from their Patna party office. 

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Tej Pratap Yadav on Tuesday, expressed his elation on Nitish Kumar siding with his party and thanked the people of Bihar for the new government that will soon be formed. Taking to Twitter, the MLA wrote, "I thank all the people of Bihar. Especially the youth, with your love, affection and blessings, the government of Mahagathbandhan is going to be formed in Bihar".

Fuming over Nitish Kumar joining hands with the Mahagathbandhan alliance once again, Union Minister Nityanand Rai said, "BJP worked for the development of Bihar. Nitish Kumar, have you forgotten the amount of effort PM Modi had put in the elections? You have disrespected the people and their faith. If Nitish Kumar and Tejashwi Yadav will try to block the developments in Bihar then we will protests on the roads and inside the parliament. He is a "Paltu raam", "Bhatku ram" " dhokebaaz". 

After meeting the Governor of Bihar to stake claim, RJD's Tejashwi Yadav addressed the media, and said, "There is only one party left bjp all remaining parties have accepted Nitish ji as their leader. BJP has no alliance partner in northern india. A tensed environment is being created across the country. Across the hindi heartland, BJP does not have any alliance partner, history tells that BJP destroys the parties with whom it forms an alliance. We did see that happening in Punjab & Maharashtra."

After meeting the Governor, Nitish Kumar addressed the media and said, "The Mahagathbandhan alliance is standing strong. 7 parties are united with 164 MLAs. We all will work together. Seven parties and one independent. There are certain reasons of quitting NDA. People of my party were asking me to leave NDA. My party leaders had unanimous view of quitting NDA. Our agenda is to serve Bihar. I never liked how they (NDA) were trying to create divide in society. I have never compromised on the issue of corruption. We all will be together."

As Nitish Kumar and Tejashwi Yadav stake claim to form a new Mahagathbandhan alliance government in Bihar, JDU's Upendra Kushwaha hailed the move and tweeted, "With the decision to break away from the NDA, we all came out of the maze of BJP trying to push the country back into the party of conservatism. This decision will prove to be a milestone not only for Bihar but for the country."

As Nitish Kumar and Tejashwi Yadav stake claim to form a new government in Bihar, former Union Minister and BJP leader Ravi Shankar Prasad on Tuesday fumed over Nitish Kumar and accused him of betraying both the people of Bihar as well as the mandate.

Prasad said, "You have betrayed the mandate of Bihar. You have always insulted the mandate of Bihar. You won in 2020 because of PM Modi and today you have betrayed. If BJP was troubling you then why did you stay for 2 years? You only enjoyed the power."

Watch LIVE here:

"Nitish Kumar has staked claim to form a new government with Mahagathbandhan alliance and has asked the Governor to give time. He will inform." informed JD(U)'s Vijay Chowdhary. Meanwhile, 164 MLAs are supporting the Mahagathbandhan alliance. 

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RJD MP Sharad Yadav said that the alliance that has formed after Nitish Kumar's decision is the same what people voted for in the 2020 state assembly elections. "The previous government (of BJP-JDU) was not as per the mandate of the people, it's only now that the state government will be as per the people's mandate", he said as per ANI.

As Nitish Kumar and Tejashwi Yadav stake claim to form a new government in Bihar, Lalu Prasad Yadav's daughter has taken a dig at the BJP, and tweeted: 

 Nitish Kumar, along with Tejashwi Yadav on Tuesday met the Governor of Bihar to stake claim as Chief Minister of 'Mahagathbandhan' alliance, informed party sources. A new government is expected to form most likely by Wednesday. 

Amid major political crisis, big leaders of the Bihar BJP are going to attend the state BJP Core Committee meeting this evening. Republic accessed an image of Sushil Kumar Modi and Ravi Shankar Prasad in a flight to Patna.

While speaking to ANI, BJP leader Mangal Pandey said, "Nitish Kumar fought against Congress all his life. He Joined Congress again today, this is not right. The people of Bihar were cheated. BJP will fight this battle together with the people. People's mandate was against Lalu Raj. BJP will fight this morality battle."

Republic has accessed the exclusive picture from the CM house where Nitish Kumar has been elected as leader of Mahagathbandhan in the presence of all MLAs. 

As Nitish Kumar walked out of the NDA alliance in Bihar and resigned as the Chief Minister, BJP leader Manjinder Singh Sirsa on Tuesday mocked Nitish and shared an old video where he was heard pledging that he would never reconcile with the RJD and accused them of betrayal. 

Nitish Kumar and Tejashwi Yadav are set to meet the Governor of Bihar at 5 PM on Tuesday and the JDU walked out of the NDA and is set to join hands with the RJD. 

In the inside details of the Nitish-Rabri Devi meet accessed by the Republic Media Network, Nitish Kumar has apologised to both Rabri Devi and Tejashwi Yadav, and said, "2017 was a mistake, let's begin a new chapter."

As Nitish Kumar walked out of the NDA alliance in Bihar and resigned as the Chief Minister, the BJP in Patna on Tuesday held a press brief and said, 'This is cheating the people of Bihar'.

Nitish Kumar on Tuesday became the elected leader of Mahagathbandhan alliance in Bihar. All Mahagathbandhan MLAs led by Tejashwi Yadav reached the CM house to meet Nitish Kumar.

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LJP's Chirag Paswan on Tuesday spoke to Republic after Nitish Kumar walked out of NDA and resigned as the Chief Minister of Bihar, and said; "Nitish Kumar has done whatever he wanted to do. He kept his individual interests above everything. He himself said that I'll never meet RJD but he has gone against his own ideology."

After Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar resigned and his JD(U) officially walked out of NDA, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is set  to hold a press conference at 4.30 PM in Patna BJP office. 

After resigning as Chief Minister of Bihar, Nitish Kumar on Tuesday spoke exclusively to Republic and said, "Today, our MPs, MLAs & elected representatives met and it was everyone's decision to leave NDA. I accepted this decision and resigned from the post of CM that I was holding in the NDA government in Bihar."

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After tendering his resignation as the Chief Minister of Bihar, Nitish Kumar reached the residence of Rabri Devi in Patna to confabulate with RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav. 

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After Nitish Kumar walked out of the NDA alliance in Bihar and resigned as the Chief Minister, Samajwadi Party (SP) cheif Akhilesh Yadav on Tuesday hailed the desicion by the JDU and said, "This is a good inititative. Bihari people are saying- "Bhajpa chhodo". It's their personal decision. I am certain that they will collectively take a decision in which BJP will stay out always. BJP always does divide and rule. It's a great lesson for the BJP."

After tendering his resignation as the Chief Minister of Bihar to the Governor, Nitish Kumar on Tuesday reached RJD patrairch Lalu Prasad Yadav's house. 

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After JD(U) officially walked out of NDA in Bihar, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Tuesday reached the Raj Bhawan and resigned from his position. Portraits of Lalu Prasad Yadav and his son Tejashwi were being raised at the RJD patriarch's residence. 

In the latest update, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has reached the Raj Bhawan in Patna and is likely to submit his resignation. 

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After Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar-led JD(U) officially walked out of NDA, Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas)'s Chirag Paswan held a press conference on Tuesday, and slammed the Chief Minister, accusing him of aiming tio become the Prime Minister. 

Paswamn said, "I told you that I know the CM better than anyone. You're aware of the current political scenario. CM Nitish is concerned how to become the PM. It's his dream to become the PM in 2024 that he's going to the Governor's house. Nitish Kumar ji is answerable that what benefit has people of bihar gotten out of it."

"Rashtriya Lok Janshakti Party (RLJP) is with NDA. We don't want to comment on the decisions of other parties but we are with NDA. We didn't feel that (BJP is not giving respect). They (JDU) can only tell about them," said Lok Sabha MP and RLJP leader Prince Raj.

RJD likely to extend support to Nitish Kumar. There'll be no differences on allotment of portfolios. Tejashwi Yadav said that they have a strength of 160. If BJP attempts to create instability or tries to push for President's Rule, we'll give them a "befitting reply", said an RJD Source. 

Just as RJD is slikely to join hands with Nitish Kumar, JD(U)'s Tejashwi Yadav warned, 'We will give befitting reply to BJP, if they push President's rule."

The AIMIM sources said that they are not joining the MGB govt officially. "MGB has enough numbers, we're not needed. 4 of 5 AIMIM MLAs joined RJD a few months ago. A sole AIMIM MLA to remain out of govt for now."

After Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar-led JD(U) officially walked out of NDA, RJD supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav's daughter took to Twitter and called her father a 'Kingmaker' and said, "His faith is higher than the height of the sky. The pride of the masses."

Upendra Kushwaha, National Parliamentary Board President of JD(U) has tweeted, "Congratulations Nitish Kumar for the leadership of a new alliance in a new form. Nitish ji, go ahead. The nation is waiting for you."

Bihar CM Nitish Kumar, in the meeting party MLAs today, accused the BJP of humiliating the JDU and trying to break the party at the behest of RCP Singh. 

"BJP humiliated us and tried to break the Janata Dal-United at the behest of RCP Singh. We are parting ways with the BJP and I am going to resign as Chief Minister," he told the party members.

Many JD(U) MLAs and MLCs told CM Nitish Kumar in the meeting that their present alliance is trying to weaken them since 2020. Without naming Chirag Paswan, they said he was one such example, and also said they if they're not alert now, it won't be good for the party. 

BJP meeting, at residence of Dy CM Tarkishore Prasad, concluded in Patna. Bhikhubhai Dalsaniya, Renu Devi, Mangal Pandey, Nitin Navin, Amrendra Pratap Singh & Samrat Chaudhary left. BJP's Core Committee meeting will be held today at the party office in Patna.

Bihar CM Nitish Kumar is set to meet RJD leader and former Bihar CM Rabri Devi soon, as per sources. 

As per sources, RJD has demanded the Speaker's post as well as the Home Ministry. It will be a government comprising 7 parties. 

Nitish Kumar is set to resign as Bihar chief Minister but will not sack the BJP minister, said sources. The JDU chief will meet the Bihar governor at 4 PM today to tender his resignation. 

"Don't want to make a comment on the Bihar Political Situation but BJP never initiated anything that may stir up a controversy or create a situation of uncertainty among them. JD(U) will make a decision but BJP definitely wants Nitish Kumar to continue as CM," says Union Min Kaushal Kishore.

In the Mahagathbandhan meeting today, RJD MLAs, MLCs, and Rajya Sabha MP authorized party leader Tejashwi Yadav to take a decision and said that they are with him. Congress and Left parties MLAs have already said that they are with Tejashwi Yadav, said ANI Sources.

Lalu Prasad Yadav is also closely watching every movement but everything is being done by Tejashwi Yadav, RJD Sources told ANI.

Police personnel have been deployed outside the residence of Bihar CM and JD(U) leader Nitish Kumar in Patna. The CM will meet Bihar Governor Phagu Chauhan today at 4 PM, at Raj Bhavan, amid reports of a rift in NDA.

An urgent meeting of the BJP leaders and ministers has been called at Deputy CM Tarkeshwar Prasad's residence after Nitish Kumar's JDU snapped ties with the party. He is likely to form a Mahagathbandhan govt with RJD and Congress. 

Nitish Kumar led-JDU has officially parted ways with the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance in Bihar. As per sources, the decision was taken in the MP-MLA meeting at the CM's residence in Patna today.

 In the JD(U) meeting today, all MLAs and MPs of the party supported CM Nitish Kumar's decision and said that they are with him. They said that they will always be with him, whatever he may decide.

Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular), an ally of the NDA has called a meeting of its MLAs at 4 PM amid the political developments in Bihar. Jitan Ram Manjhi's HAM, which has four MLAs, will be meeting to discuss its possible stand after the NDA-JDU split. 

Even as Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is headed to the Governor's office, most likely to form a new Mahagahthbandhan government, BJP MP from Rajya Sabha Sudhanshu Trivedi downplayed the events, calling it the 'internal matters' of the JDU. "It is JDU’s internal matter.. we don’t have anything to say in it,” said Trivedi. 

Bihar Governor Phagu Chauhan has given a 4 PM appointment to Nitish Kumar, who is likely to step down as Chief Minister and pave the way for the formation of the Mahagathbandhan government. 

RJD Supremo Lalu Yadav's daughter Rohini Acharya has tweeted a video song confirming the return of the Mahagathbandhan government in Bihar. 

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is in a hurry to embrace the Mahagahthbandhan government with the Opposition parties and is likely to reach the Raj Bhavan in 15 minutes, say sources. 

After inaugurating an industry office in Delhi, Bihar Minister and senior BJP leader Shahnawaz Hussain is set to arrive in Patna amid fast-paced political developments in the state. When asked about the likely fall of the NDA government in Bihar, Hussain denied having knowledge about the events.

The Bharatiya Janata Party has called for a core group meet this evening in light of the political situation in Bihar, where Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has reportedly decided to break alliance with the NDA and form a Mahagathbandhan government with the RJD, Congress and Left parties. 

As per sources, the foundation of the JDU-BJP rift was laid when Nitish Kumar had a heated argument with BJP MLA and Assembly Speaker Vijay Sinha during one of the sessions. Moreover, Kumar was angry with ex-Union Minister RCP Singh's behavior and for taking a stand against the party line. For instance, he spoke in favor of Article 370 while JDU's stand was not clear till then. This also became a major reason for the rift in the alliance.

As per sources, BJP Ministers in the Nitish Kumar-led Cabinet may refuse to resign and opt to be sacked.

Security has been beefed up at the Governor's House ahead of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's arrival to stake a claim for the formation of the Mahagathbandhan govt, say sources. The JDU has sought time to meet Governor Phagu Chauhan at 1 PM today. 

Amid speculations of the reformation of the Mahagathbandhan alliance in Bihar, sources have informed that the Congress, RJD, and Left parties have signed a letter of support for Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. The JDU is likely to approach the Governor at around 1 PM today. 

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, along with other Mahagathbandhan constituents are likely to meet the Governor today, after the meetings of their respective parties. The ruling JD(U) has reportedly sought an appointment from Bihar Governor Phagu Chauhan, most likely to stake a claim for the formation of the Mahagathbandhan government. 

This comes amid the rift between the JDU and BJP allies in Bihar. 

"If Nitish Kumar comes, we will welcome him. If he comes we will support him. A meeting of Mahagathbandhan is being held. We should take a decision to support (him) by considering Nitish Kumar as the CM but we'll be able to tell you only after the meeting," says Bihar Congress leader Ajit Sharma.

Presently, meetings of Mahagathbandhan MLAs at RJD chief Lalu Yadavs' residence and JD(U) leaders at CM Nitish Kumar's residence are underway in Patna. Amid the hectic parleys, BJP's State Gen Secy (Org) Bhikhubhai Dalsaniya and state BJP chief Sanjay Jaiswal arrived at the residence of Dy CM Tarkishore Prasad in Patna. 

Constituents of the Mahagathbandhan (grand Opposition alliance) gathered for a meeting at the residence of RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, to discuss the political scenario in Bihar. The Opposition parties have indicated support for Nitish Kumar, in case he breaks the alliance with BJP. 

When asked if JDU is not happy in alliance with BJP in the state, MLC Kumud Verma, who arrived at Nitish Kumar's residence for a meeting in Patna said, "Our meeting is on the issue of Census...Everything is alright...We are happy."

Bihar | MLAs of Left parties also arrive at the residence of RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav in Patna. RJD MLAs are already present here.

RJD leader Tej Pratap has arrived at the residence of Lalu Yadav for the key meeting of party MLAs and leaders amid a possible split in the ruling JDU-BJP coalition. When approached by the media, Tej Pratap maintained silence on the RJD's likely alliance with Nitish Kumar but extended greetings on Muharram.

RJD MLAs and leaders arrive at the residence of party chief Lalu Prasad Yadav, in Patna. The party will hold a meeting at 11 am today amid reports of rifts between JD(U) & BJP in the state. Mobile phones of all MLAs are being kept outside the meeting room. 

"We are still part of the NDA and want the alliance to continue. For an alliance to run smoothly, there should be internal understanding and respect for each others' ideologies," says Bihar Minister Chowdhary. 

"We have not separated from BJP yet. So Congress' support letter is conditional. We have called a meeting today. Whatever decision is taken by the leadership, will be accepted by all," Bihar Education Minister Vijay Kumar Chaudhary speaks to Republic TV

Amid rumours of a possible split between the ruling BJP-JDU coalition, Congress MLA Shakil Ahmad has claimed that the party leaders have already signed a letter of support to Chief Minister Nitish Kumar in case he joins hands with the Opposition. "We will hand it over to Tejashwi Yadav and thereafter the Mahagathbandhan MLAs will meet the Governor."

In the past few months, BJP and JDU have been at loggerheads on a plethora of issues including the liquor ban, the Agnipath scheme and the law and order situation. The latest flashpoint was JDU's allegations against its own leader RCP Singh who was a part of the Union Cabinet till July 6. Amid speculation about Singh's perceived closeness to BJP, JDU leveled corruption allegations against him and hinted that BJP was planning to use him like Chirag Paswan to orchestrate its downfall. 

On Monday, Congress, RJD, and the Left extended support to Nitish Kumar if he breaks ties with BJP. RJD vice president Shivanand Tiwari told the media, Speaking to ANI, "If Nitish Kumar separates from BJP, it is obvious that the BJP will ask him for the floor test. What we will do in that situation? Will we allow the government to fall? It is our duty to support him after he separates from the BJP. It is our political compulsion and we don’t have any other option. If he stands separate from BJP, we will have to give him support". 

Ahead of a crucial meeting of his party's lawmakers that could decide the future of the alliance with the BJP, JDU legislator Gopal Mandal predicted a 'political earthquake' in Bihar. This assumes significance amid rumours that Nitish Kumar will snap ties with the saffron party and form a government with former Mahagatbandhan allies RJD and Congress. 

JDU MLA Gopal Mandal remarked, "The party high command has instructed us to reach Patna by 8 pm tonight. I don't know what will happen in the meeting tomorrow. Certainly, there will be an earthquake. Until now, we are in an alliance (with BJP). But we don't know what decision will be taken after the meeting tomorrow. RJD has also asked all its MLAs to wait." 

Members of both houses of Parliament and state legislature, belonging to Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s JD(U), converged here on Tuesday to attend a meeting at his official residence, amid speculations of a major political move by the veteran leader, senior party functionaries said.

The meeting is scheduled to commence at 11 AM.

Meanwhile, MLAs of the opposition RJD, the largest party in the state assembly, have also been commanded by their leader Tejashwi Yadav to remain present at a meeting which will be held at his mother Rabri Devi’s Circular Road bungalow, a stone’s throw from the CM’s Anney Marg residence.

After Amit Shah, BJP President JP Nadda has dialed Bihar CM Nitish Kumar amid rumours of a split between JDU and BJP.