JD(U) Distances Itself As Posters Proclaiming Nitish Kumar As PM Candidate Stir Speculation Ahead Of I.N.D.I. Alliance Meet

Prior to a crucial meeting of the opposition I.N.D.I. Alliance in New Delhi, posters advocating for Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar as the opposition's Prime Ministerial candidate appeared in various locations across the state capital on Tuesday (19 December) as reported by The New Indian Express.

The JD(U) stated that it did not put up the posters, asserting that an unidentified individual was responsible for their installation.

In an effort to avoid any confusion regarding the opposition's Prime Ministerial candidate before the I.N.D.I. Alliance meeting, these posters were removed from several locations.

The I.N.D.I. Alliance is put up to diminish the dominance of the ruling National Democratic Alliance in the upcoming nationwide polls. NDA leaders have sought to undermine the outfit by asserting that leaders from all parties within the alliance aspire to be the prime minister.

The message on the posters declares: “Agar Sach me jeet chahiye to phir ek nischaya chahiye, ek Nitish chahiye.” (If you really want victory, you need a resolve, one Nitish).

Neeraj Kumar, Bihar JD(U) chief spokesperson and MLC, commented: “While it's unknown who put up the poster, a political interpretation can still be made. The Nitish government has fulfilled its promise by providing electricity and water to each household in the state through its resolve. 'INDIA,' an anti-BJP front, is an extension of Bihar's grand alliance. Nitish is seen as a symbol of resolve. We are not seeking the PM candidacy or any post, but a resolve is needed to remove fanatic forces from power.”

Umesh Kushwaha, the state JD(U) president, stated, “Nitish is a ‘sutradhar’ of opposition unity. The entire country is looking towards him with great expectations and faith, and our leader is continuously working towards a ‘BJP-Mukt’ India. We will convene and decide on the next Prime Minister if INDIA secures a majority in the 2024 Lok Sabha election.”