JD(U) Workers Stage Violent Protests Over Nitish Kumar's Rajya Sabha Nomination
In a dramatic turn of events in Patna, workers of the Janata Dal (United) erupted in violent protests on Thursday as Chief Minister Nitish Kumar filed his nomination for the Rajya Sabha elections. The demonstrations unfolded simultaneously at two key locations: the chief minister's official residence at 1, Anne Marg, and the JD(U) party office, with protesters expressing extreme discontent and even threatening self-immolation.
Protests Turn Violent at Party Office
At the JD(U) office, the situation escalated rapidly as agitated workers vandalized furniture, breaking chairs and tables in a fit of rage. They raised slogans targeting specific party leaders, branding them as "Jaichands"—a historical reference to betrayal. The protesters also surrounded JD(U) state president Umesh Kushwaha, who attempted to pacify the crowd amidst the chaos.
Umesh Kushwaha addressed the workers, stating, "Nitish Kumar has not yet resigned from the CM's post. The sentiments of the workers will be understood and their concerns will be conveyed to him." However, his assurances did little to quell the anger, as workers remained steadfast in their opposition to Kumar's move to the Rajya Sabha.
Threats of Self-Immolation Outside CM's Residence
Outside the chief minister's residence, the protests took an even more serious turn. Several workers threatened self-immolation and warned of "dire consequences" if they were not allowed to meet Nitish Kumar. Even after a post from Kumar's X account indicated his preparedness to transition to the Rajya Sabha, protesters dismissed it as inauthentic, claiming the account was being operated by someone else under pressure.
Mahendra Kushwaha, a JD(U) worker from Paliganj, voiced the collective suspicion, saying, "We got the news on Holi afternoon that our leader Nitish ji is being sent to Rajya Sabha. We know it is not his decision." He added that he rushed to Patna on Wednesday evening upon hearing the reports, reflecting the urgency and emotional investment of the party base.
Workers Question Authenticity and Alleged Conspiracy
The protesters uniformly rejected the X post as genuine, with Ravi Raj Patel, vice-president of Patna Mahanagar, questioning, "Someone has forced him. Why are we workers not allowed to meet our leader?" Youth worker Gauri Singh echoed this sentiment, asserting that the tweet was made under duress.
The emotional toll was evident as senior party leader Maheshwar Hazari was seen crying in his vehicle when asked by reporters about the JD(U) members' distress. This highlighted the deep divisions and internal turmoil within the party over Kumar's political shift.
Allegations of Political Manipulation and Timing
Workers alleged a broader conspiracy, with Mohd Shahid Alam, a JD(U) member of Patna Zila Gramin (minority wing), accusing the BJP of playing a "dirty game" similar to its tactics in Maharashtra. He questioned, "Nitish ji has sent many to Rajya Sabha, why will he go, leaving behind Bihar in someone else's hand?"
Girendra Kumar, another party worker, pointed to the timing of the decision, suggesting it was strategically made when many people had left Patna for Holi, thereby reducing immediate opposition. He alleged, "There are BJP agents in JD(U) and they have played a dirty game."
Rani Kumari expressed the disappointment of women workers, stating, "This is a sad day for us. We women had put in all effort to make our leader Nitish Kumar Bihar's CM. But a few people are misleading him."
Broader Implications and Worker Sentiments
The protests underscore the intense loyalty of JD(U) workers to Nitish Kumar and their resistance to what they perceive as an external imposition. Surendra Kumar Shivam highlighted their campaign slogan, "2025 se 30 phir se Nitish," and claimed that the only alternative they would consider is his son Nishant Kumar, further emphasizing their unwavering support for the Kumar family.
As the situation remains tense, the events in Patna reveal significant fissures within the JD(U) and raise questions about the future political landscape of Bihar. The workers' threats of self-immolation and violent demonstrations signal a profound crisis of trust and leadership within the party, with potential ramifications for upcoming elections and governance in the state.
