Amid speculation over a possible cabinet expansion of Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led Central government, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar landed in Delhi on Tuesday and is likely to meet BJP top brass during his visit. The Chief Minister, however, downplayed his visit, calling it more of a personal visit for eye treatment.
When questions were asked on Modi cabinet expansion, he said; “There is no plan of meeting PM Modi during the visit. It will depend on PM Modi, how and when he does it (Cabinet expansion). We have no information regarding this.”
It is worthwhile to mention that when NDA returned in power in 2019, the BJP had offered JD-U to join the Union cabinet, but at that time only one ministerial post was offered to JD-U. The party had refused to join the cabinet at that time. The JD-U leaders, off the record, had said that if the party had accepted this proposal of BJP, then either Lalan Singh or R.C.P. Singh would have got the Cabinet berth. In such a situation, Nitish Kumar did not want to offend either of the two. This was the reason why he refused to take the offer of a ministerial post.
Sources have now indicated that after two years, JD-U is all set to join the Union cabinet. The decision regarding the names is in the hands of Nitish Kumar. R.C.P. Singh said that in the JD-U, any decision is taken only after seeking everyone’s opinion. Asked if he will be elevated as cabinet minister, he said: “My name has been doing the rounds since 2017. Rumours go on, but what ultimately our leader Nitish Kumar decides will be the final decision.”
Singh said, “I have said it earlier too. Whenever there will be an expansion of the Union Cabinet, JDU will also definitely be a part of it because JDU is an ally in the NDA. I have said this earlier too and there is no confusion in it.» He further said, “Our leader is Bihar›s Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. But that does not mean we do what we like. All our political decisions are taken after discussions and consultations. Whatever decisions the JDU takes, the BJP has taken them in a positive manner.”
Responding to a question on what JD-U’s contribution will be if they are included in the Union cabinet, Singh said, “When we will be both at the Centre and in the state, it creates a better understanding between parties, the running of the government becomes smoother and it also increases the faith of the people in the government.” Commenting on the rift in the Lok Janshakti Party, Singh said, “They might have committed some mistake that is why this is happening. If such things happen in a party, there is some reason for it. He has accused the BJP of abandoning him which is not right. It is something they need to sort out among themselves.”
Singh›s remarks came at a time when differences have arisen among LJP party leaders.
There is strong buzz that five names are being considered, out of which two leaders can be made ministers at the Centre. The leaders who might become part of the Modi cabinet are R.C.P. Singh, Lalan Singh, Santosh Kushwaha, Ramnath Thakur and Chandeshwar Chandravanshi. It is believed that R.C.P. Singh is almost certain to become a minister at the Centre. Although Nitish Kumar is describing his Delhi visit as a personal visit, if sources are to be believed, then he is expected to talk to the top BJP leadership on this issue soon.
WITH AGENCY INPUTS