Political strategist Prashant Kishor made pointed remarks about Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s attendance at the G20 Gala Dinner, suggesting that it was a strategic move to exert pressure on the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and the BJP. Kishor hinted that Kumar’s presence at the event signaled his readiness to explore options within the opposition bloc INDIA if his concerns were not addressed.
Speaking to reporters in Bihar, Prashant Kishor conveyed, “Nitish Kumar has his own distinct political style. During his eight-year alliance with the BJP, he refrained from participating in such events. In politics, Nitish Kumar creates both opportunities and alternatives, akin to opening a door while leaving a window and an outlet open, prepared to utilize them as needed.”
Kishor further explained that the INDIA opposition bloc represented the ‘door’ of possibilities for Nitish Kumar, while the NDA, including intermediaries like Harivansh Narayan, a member of the Rajya Sabha, served as the ‘window’ through which he interacted with the BJP.
The G20 Gala Dinner, hosted by President Droupadi Murmu in New Delhi, brought together nearly 300 dignitaries, including heads of state and invitees from the Indian government, at the Bharat Mandapam venue. Among the attendees were several state chief ministers, such as Nitish Kumar of Bihar, Yogi Adityanath of Uttar Pradesh, Hemant Soren of Jharkhand, and Mamata Banerjee of West Bengal.
However, notable absences included Chhattisgarh’s Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, Rajasthan’s Ashok Gehlot, Odisha’s Naveen Patnaik, and Delhi’s Arvind Kejriwal.
Prashant Kishor’s comments underscored the political maneuvering and dynamics within the NDA and the broader political landscape in India.
