In a significant development, Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao (KCR) met Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar in New Delhi on Wednesday, where they expressed their admiration for the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) economic policies and discussed potential strategic alliances.
The meeting, which was seen as a rare show of cooperation between two major non-BJP ruled states, took place amidst a backdrop of growing regional politics in India. KCR and Nitish Kumar have been vocal about their dissatisfaction with the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) governments at the Centre.
According to sources close to the meeting, KCR praised the BJP’s economic policies, saying they were “in line” with Telangana’s development goals. He also expressed his gratitude for the party’s support in the state Assembly elections last year.
Nitish Kumar, on the other hand, commended the BJP for its efforts to promote economic growth and development across the country. He also praised the party’s policies aimed at promoting entrepreneurship and small businesses.
However, what caught attention was the discussion over a potential strategic alliance between Telangana and Bihar in the coming general elections. KCR reportedly shared his concerns about the BJP’s growing influence in South India, particularly in the states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
“Nitish Kumar listened attentively to KCR’s concerns and assured him that the RJD will work closely with the BJP-led NDA to ensure a level playing field for all parties,” said a source.
When asked about potential alliances, Nitish Kumar remained tight-lipped. However, sources close to the meeting revealed that he was open to exploring possibilities of forming an alliance between the RJD and the BJP in Bihar or Telangana.
Regional Politics: A Growing Concern
The meeting highlights the growing regional politics in India, where parties are increasingly reaching out to each other in pursuit of power. This trend is likely to continue in the coming general elections, with key players like KCR and Nitish Kumar playing a crucial role.
The BJP has been trying to reassert its dominance in South India, particularly in the states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. The party’s efforts have been met with resistance from regional parties like the TRS and the CPI(M), which are seeking to capitalize on the BJP’s weakness in these regions.
As the general elections approach, it remains to be seen whether KCR and Nitish Kumar will be able to put aside their differences and form a strategic alliance. If they succeed, it could potentially impact the course of national politics and lead to a more fragmented opposition.
About the Author
