Buzz over Nitish Kumar bid for JDU-RJD merger

Emboldened by the people’s response so far in the Bihar Assembly elections for the Grand Secular Alliance, moves have been initiated for the merger of the JD(U) and RJD in a bid to project a united front against Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The move for the merger was initiated by Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar, apparently also with the aim of consolidating the anti-BJP space, besides also removing the threat of RJD supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav pulling the rug from under his feet later in the event of the alliance emerging victorious in the Bihar Assembly polls.

“The campaign for the Bihar Assembly elections has shown there is no more justification for the JD(U) and RJD staying two separate entities. RJD workers and leaders have taken shelter under the leadership of the chief minister. Therefore, it’s only natural and for a better cause that the two parties should soon merge into one entity. The move has been initiated by the top leadership of the JD(U),” a source said.

The JD(U) leaders, sources said, have sounded out RJD boss Lalu Prasad Yadav to work out the merger. “The idea of merger is there on the table within the RJD camp too, with Mr Yadav weighing the feasibility of the option. The RJD chief needs to be persuaded if the combined socialist entity has to play a formidable role in national politics,” a senior JD(U) leader said.

With Mr Lalu Yadav barred from electoral politics and his wife and former CM Rabri Devi not politically active any more, the JD(U) leaders are hopeful of being able to persuade him with an olive branch: to nurse and protect the political careers of his two sons. “Eventually Mr Kumar will play a much larger role in national politics after having become the face for others to rally behind against the rise of PM. The merger will ensure the stability of the government in the state if the Grand Alliance wins the elections,” he added.