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The first meeting of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in Bihar, convened by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, signifies a crucial juncture in the state's political landscape. The meeting, held nearly nine months after Kumar's return to the alliance, underscores the NDA's focus on unity and coordination ahead of the upcoming bypolls and the 2025 Assembly elections. The timing is significant, coinciding with rising political influence from Prashant Kishor, who has emerged as a significant force in Bihar politics.
Kumar, known for his attempts to project his secular credentials, highlighted the NDA's unwavering commitment to 'no compromise on communal harmony,' regardless of Muslim voter turnout. This assertion, made alongside senior BJP leader Giriraj Singh, who recently led a controversial ‘Hindu Swabhiman Yatra’, signals a deliberate attempt to dispel any notion of communal bias within the alliance. Singh notably refrained from invoking 'Hindu pride' during the meeting, instead focusing on the development agenda under Kumar's leadership.
While the immediate agenda included preparations for the November 13 bypolls, the meeting aimed to strengthen coordination between NDA members, addressing concerns regarding the NDA's reduced Lok Sabha performance in Bihar. The alliance won only 30 of the 40 Lok Sabha seats in the state this year, a decline from 39 seats in 2019. The BJP's seat count also dropped from 17 to 12. The meeting served as a platform to address these shortcomings and strategize for future electoral successes.
The NDA's focus on development and communal harmony is a clear message to the electorate, particularly in the context of increasing political competition from Prashant Kishor's Jan Suraaj Party. The alliance has committed to improved coordination at the panchayat level through newly formed district-level committees known as the NDA “Bees Sutri.” These committees will conduct monthly reviews of development projects and public grievances, replacing the previous irregular meeting structure.
The meeting concluded with BJP state president Dilip Jaiswal's reaffirmation that Kumar would lead the NDA in the next Assembly elections. This demonstrates the alliance's commitment to unity and its intention to present a unified front to the electorate. The NDA's success in the upcoming elections hinges on its ability to effectively implement its development agenda while maintaining communal harmony, a challenge they face as they navigate the complexities of Bihar's political landscape.