Nitish Kumar’s reported move to the Rajya Sabha could trigger an “ideological takeover” and alter Bihar’s political discourse, said Dipankar Bhattacharya on Sunday, describing the decision as a “betrayal of the people of Bihar.”
In an interview with Press Trust of India (PTI), Dipankar Bhattacharya claimed that the move reflects the increasing dominance of the BJP over its ally Janata Dal (United) and could reshape Bihar’s political landscape.
He said the move could result in a political takeover – not just in terms of power, but also in shaping the discourse in Bihar and possibly across North India.
Describing the development as a “big shock,” Dipankar Bhattacharya said the way events were unfolding seemed “disrespectful” towards Nitish Kumar.
“People were already aware that the BJP is effectively in control of the government, but the manner in which this is happening amounts to a disrespectful sidelining of Nitish Kumar,” he said.
Bhattacharya added that the move could leave many voters feeling “cheated,” since the alliance had sought votes in Kumar’s name.
“They sought votes in the name of Nitish Kumar and promised another term for him, but are now sidelining him,” he added.
Kumar, who heads the Janata Dal (United), announced on Thursday that he will contest the Rajya Sabha elections, effectively ending his tenure as Bihar’s longest-serving chief minister. His decision comes just months after leading the NDA to a sweeping victory in the November assembly elections.
The CPI(ML) Liberation, part of the opposition Mahagathbandhan (Grand Alliance) – the state-level grouping under the national INDIA alliance – counts the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and the Indian National Congress (INC) among its key partners.
Dipankar Bhattacharya further claimed that many people view the development as a “coup” that was gradually orchestrated within the JD(U) around Kumar.
He warned that the move could increase unease within the party, with members concerned about its future. “Within JD(U), there is a growing feeling that the party is being steadily absorbed by the BJP. This is essentially a power play by the BJP, and it is unlikely to be well received,” he said.
According to Bhattacharya, although the JD(U) had long been allied with the BJP, it had largely identified with what he described as the “social justice camp.”
“Nitish Kumar had always maintained that he would not compromise with communal forces. That position now appears to be fading, which could lead to the complete ideological absorption of the JD(U) by the BJP,” he added.
He also questioned the reasoning behind Kumar’s move to the Rajya Sabha, saying it was hard to believe that it had been a long-held ambition.
“Moving to the Rajya Sabha cannot be treated as a lifetime achievement for someone who has led Bihar for nearly two decades,” Bhattacharya said.
“At one point, he was seen as a prime ministerial contender, and now we are told the Rajya Sabha was his goal. This claim is hard to accept,” he added.
Dipankar Bhattacharya alleged that the move reflects the BJP’s effort to assert its political dominance. “It shows the BJP’s exercise of power – they believe they hold complete control and can act openly,” he said.
When asked whether this could benefit opposition parties, Bhattacharya said the key issue was clarity in the political situation. “It’s not about advantage. This is the reality, and both the opposition and the public must acknowledge it,” he said.
He also claimed that governance in the state is beginning to resemble what he termed “bulldozer rule,” alleging ongoing demolitions and land acquisition. “There is a growing sense of insecurity, especially among women, unlike anything seen before in Bihar,” he added.
Dipankar Bhattacharya said issues like unemployment, rural jobs, and social justice could drive broader political mobilization in Bihar. “The state remains highly sensitive to the agenda of social justice, and there is a growing churn among people around these concerns,” he noted.
On a possible leadership change, he said the transition may not be smooth, particularly if the BJP attempts to install its own chief minister. “There is already significant unease within the JD(U). Any such move by the BJP is unlikely to be smooth and could lead to a turbulent phase,” he added.