Patna, Following the Congress’s electoral setbacks in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar takes center stage in the Opposition-led INDIA bloc. With the INDIA bloc’s meeting scheduled for December 6 under the leadership of Congress Chief Mallikarjun Kharge, Nitish Kumar’s role gains prominence.

The Janata Dal United (JDU) has asserted that Nitish Kumar is the linchpin for the INDIA bloc, capable of challenging Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the 2024 elections. Observing the Congress’s inability to focus on the alliance during the state elections, JDU State General Secretary Nikhil Mandal emphasized Nitish Kumar’s pivotal role, stating, “Congress was not able to pay attention to the India alliance because it was busy in elections in 5 states.”

Bihar minister Vijay Kumar Chaudhary echoed this sentiment, affirming that the election results in the three states send a positive message for the future. He stated, “There is a positive message in the election results that have been declared in the three states.”

Nitish Kumar had previously cautioned the Congress about the INDIA bloc losing momentum due to the party’s exclusive focus on the state Assembly elections. During a meeting on November 2, Kumar remarked, “Congress does not have time at the moment. It seems that the Congress will convene the meeting of the INDIA bloc only after elections are over.”

Despite the renewed spotlight, Nitish Kumar faces challenges, including recent controversies. Criticism surfaced for his comments on women during a discussion on birth control in the Bihar Assembly, leading to an apology. Additionally, Kumar faced accusations of humiliating former CM Jitan Ram Manjhi, labeled as “anti-Dalit” by the BJP.

Furthermore, internal discord with RJD supremo Lalu Prasad poses a hurdle, as the RJD advocates for Tejaswi Yadav as the next CM, potentially leading to a split in the party.

As the INDIA bloc gathers, Nitish Kumar’s influence and challenges remain central to the political landscape.