Sun Jan 05 11:09:00 UTC 2025: ## Nitish Kumar Rejects Lalu Yadav’s Reconciliation Offer, Remains Firm with BJP

**PATNA, BIHAR** – Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has firmly rejected an olive branch extended by Opposition leader Lalu Yadav, stating there is no possibility of a reconciliation between them. Kumar’s rejection comes despite Yadav publicly stating his openness to working with Kumar again.

The rift stems from Kumar’s departure from the Grand Alliance, a coalition that included Yadav’s Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), and his subsequent return to the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA). Kumar criticized his previous alliances with Yadav, citing a lack of progress and heightened insecurity during their time in power. He highlighted the success of his government’s self-help group initiatives, contrasting the current situation with the past.

This rejection comes just days after BJP President Amit Shah seemingly endorsed Kumar as the NDA’s chief ministerial candidate for the upcoming Bihar assembly elections. Bihar BJP leaders have echoed this sentiment, solidifying Kumar’s position within the NDA. The BJP’s dependence on allies like the JD(U) following their less-than-majority win in the recent Lok Sabha elections underscores the importance of this alliance.

This stance directly contradicts previous statements from the RJD, who had previously declared a permanent end to any cooperation with Kumar. Tejashwi Yadav, son of Lalu Yadav and RJD leader, had emphatically stated that the party would not work with Kumar again. Despite this firm rejection from the RJD, Nitish Kumar’s decision to remain with the BJP reinforces the NDA’s current political strategy in Bihar. Kumar made these remarks while in Muzaffarpur to inaugurate a new Rs 450 crore development scheme.

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