RJD: BJP using Dhankhar's exit to sideline Nitish

Patna

The Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) in Bihar on Tuesday alleged that Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar’s resignation was part of a BJP plot to sideline Chief Minister Nitish Kumar before the upcoming assembly elections. RJD chief whip Akhtarul Islam Shahin claimed the BJP had long wanted to remove Nitish and install its own leader. He argued that the resignation might be a move to offer Nitish a powerless role, like that of vice president, to edge him out of Bihar politics.

Shahin recalled past remarks by BJP leaders, including Ashwini Kumar Choubey’s suggestion that Nitish be made deputy prime minister. He also pointed to claims by late BJP leader Sushil Kumar Modi that Nitish had once lobbied for the vice president’s post, and left the NDA when the BJP declined.

Nitish Kumar had ended ties with the BJP in 2022 over alleged interference in JD(U), but rejoined the alliance ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, helping the NDA retain power at the Centre.

However, state minister and JD(U) leader Shravan Kumar rejected the RJD’s claim. He reaffirmed Nitish’s leadership, saying he would remain in Bihar, lead the NDA in the assembly polls, and continue to serve the people.

Jagdeep Dhankhar resigned on Monday evening, citing health concerns, and submitted his resignation to President Droupadi Murmu, effective immediately.

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A day after Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar resigned, senior Congress leader Ashok Gehlot called the move shocking and said it could only come from someone under pressure. Though Dhankhar cited health reasons, Gehlot said people find that hard to believe, especially as the Prime Minister is on a foreign tour. Gehlot noted Dhankhar had raised farmers' issues recently and hinted the resignation may have deeper reasons known only to the BJP or RSS. Congress leader Govind Singh Dotasra added that BJP has little respect for farmers or their voices.