RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav on Saturday claimed that Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has become "captive" to a select group of close aides, making it impossible for him to function effectively.
Yadav, who served as Kumar’s deputy until the latter's sudden return to the BJP-led NDA, made the remark in response to questions from journalists regarding speculation about yet another potential political shift by the septuagenarian leader.
"All these rumours have no substance. Nitish Kumar is no longer in his senses. He is unable to run Bihar," Yadav asserted.
The Leader of the Opposition in the state assembly added, "Kumar is not taking decisions on his own. He has been held captive by four leaders of his party, two in Delhi and the rest here, who are calling the shots."
Yadav, whose party is part of the INDIA bloc, cited the example of a recent letter written by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, urging Kumar to "rethink" his support for the BJP in the wake of remarks allegedly denigrating Babasaheb Ambedkar by Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
While the letter was addressed to Kumar, it was Sanjay Jha, JD(U)'s working president, who responded on behalf of the Chief Minister.
"The letter was clearly addressed to Nitish Kumar in his capacity as the chief minister of Bihar and national president of JD(U). But the response came from Sanjay Jha. Who is he?" Yadav questioned.
Jha, a Rajya Sabha MP, had issued a lengthy response defending Shah and criticising Kejriwal, accusing him of undermining Bihari migrants during the Covid pandemic.
When asked whether the situation within JD(U) was causing discontent among senior leaders, Yadav said, "It is for that party to manage its affairs. My concern is that Bihar is being made to suffer."
Yadav also expressed support for the ongoing protest over the alleged question paper leak in the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) exam, stating, "The students are fully justified in demanding cancellation of the test. But, the administration is raining blows on them."
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