Patna: Emotions ran high in the JD(U) and the NDA Monday after Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar resigned from the state legislative council, while the opposition alleged he was “forced to quit”.
Kumar and BJP national president Nitin Nabin resigned from the legislative council and Assembly, respectively, after being elected to the Rajya Sabha March 16.
Several leaders across the ruling alliance expressed anguish over Kumar’s exit from the state legislature.
Legislative council chairman Awadhesh Narayan Singh said, “People in Bihar are not happy with Nitish ji’s resignation. He was such a progressive chief minister who took everyone along. The pain of his resignation will always remain.”
Recalling a meeting with Kumar before his resignation, Singh said, “Although we are visibly pained by his decision, there were no signs of worry on his face. It is difficult to fathom what is going on inside his mind.”
Assembly Speaker Prem Kumar said, “I have been associated with Nitish ji since the JP Movement in the 1970s. His role in governance and legislative work has been exemplary. His presence will be missed.”
BJP state president Sanjay Saraogi credited Kumar for Bihar’s progress.
“Nitish ji has pulled Bihar out of ‘Jungle Raj’ and put it on the path of development,” he said.
He also congratulated Nabin for his election to the Rajya Sabha and the larger role the party has given him.
JD(U) leader Vijay Kumar Choudhary said Kumar’s resignation was in line with constitutional requirements after his election to the Rajya Sabha.
Another party leader Ashok Choudhary turned emotional, saying, “He will remain our leader, but the way he guided us in the House will be deeply missed. It is a tough day for Bihar.”
Meanwhile, Leader of Opposition Tejashwi Yadav alleged that Kumar was “forced” to resign. “The BJP has not just swindled him but the entire electorate of Bihar,” he said.
RJD spokesperson Shakti Yadav echoed similar views, claiming that Kumar had been “trapped” by the BJP and that the JD(U) was nearing its end.
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