In Bihar on Tuesday, widespread rumors circulated that Rajiv Ranjan Singh ‘Lalan,’ Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's key aide, had conveyed his intention to step down as the national president of the JD(U). Within the party's state headquarters, leaders found themselves grappling with persistent inquiries from journalists, who sought clarification not only on the rumored resignation but also on speculations regarding a purported strain in the relationship between Nitish Kumar and Lalan. The speculated tension was attributed to Lalan's increasing proximity to RJD president Lalu Prasad.
Despite the media scrutiny, state minister Vijay Kumar Chaudhary, present at the party office during his regular rounds, vehemently denied any internal fractures within the JD(U). He asserted, "You speak of fissures in the JD(U). I say there is not even a scratch," dismissing the rumors as media-driven and emphasizing the party's unity.
Chaudhary refrained from directly addressing whether Lalan would formally tender his resignation at the upcoming JD(U) meeting scheduled in Delhi later in the week. Instead, he redirected attention to the party's national executive and national council meetings on December 29, highlighting their overdue nature. Chaudhary underscored that the meetings would serve as a platform for JD(U) leaders from across the country to convene and discuss strategies for the impending Lok Sabha polls.
In response to claims by senior BJP leader Sushil Kumar Modi, who suggested that Nitish Kumar was uneasy about his party chief's proximity to an ally and feared potential sabotage, Chaudhary dismissed Modi's remarks. He asserted that Modi often speaks about the JD(U) but avoids discussions about his own party, contending that Modi's perceived marginalization within the BJP has fueled his speculative comments.
However, an unnamed senior JD(U) leader acknowledged that Lalan had indeed expressed his desire to relinquish the top party post, which he has held for over two years. The matter allegedly surfaced during Kumar's visit to Lalan's residence last week. Kumar is reportedly displeased with Lalan's request, as Lalan intends to focus on retaining his Munger Lok Sabha seat, and he perceives the responsibilities of the national president role as demanding too much of his time and energy.
