Will Nitish Kumar continue to support NDA? Here's what JD(U) says

Amid reports of INDI Alliance leader Sharad Pawar being in touch with Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on the Lok Sabha election 2024 vote counting day when his bloc is leading in around 230 seats, while NDA is above half-way mark and close to winning 300 seats.

Why talks between Pawar and Nitish worrying?

The support Nitish Kumar’s JD(U) might be crucial for the NDA to form a government in the Centre.

As counting is underway, NDA is leading in 294 seats, which INDIA bloc is leading in 232 of 543 Lok Sabha seats. The half-way mark is 272.

Amid speculations, Nitish Kumar’s Janata Dal (United) has clarified that the party will continue to support the National Democratic Alliance (NDA).

“We continue with our previous stand. Under the leadership of Nitish Kumar, JD(U) once again expresses its support in NDA…We are with the NDA, we will continue to be with the NDA,” JD(U) spokesperson KC Tyagi said.

‘Opposition underestimated Nitish Kumar’

Another JD(U) leader Neeraj Kumar also told CNN News18 that his party is going to stay with the NDA. “Nitish Kumar understands what coalition means; the opposition underestimated Nitish Kumar,” he said.

‘Nitish Kumar’s decision will be supreme’

Meanwhile, JD(U) minister Zama Khan said Nitish Kumar has always “thought for the people of Bihar” and his decision will be supreme.

“Whatever our leader decides we follow and respect his move. Let the results come out. Nitish Kumar has always thought for the people of Bihar and his decision will be supreme," Khan said.

“We are firmly with the NDA. We will form the government at the Centre,” another JD(U) minister Madan Sahani said.

Nitish Kumar has a history of changing sides at key moments. He returned to the NDA fold about five months ago.