Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has dismissed reports suggesting that the opposition INDIA group meeting in Delhi was postponed because he refused to attend. Kumar explained to reporters that he was unable to travel to Delhi due to a fever. He laughed off the notion that he would intentionally skip the meeting, stating, “How can it be I don’t attend? I was down with a fever… that is why I had said ‘no’ then. In the next meeting of the alliance I will definitely go.” The meeting, organized by the Congress, was intended to unite opposition parties against Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s BJP in the upcoming Lok Sabha election. However, the absence of Kumar, along with Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, highlighted divisions within the group. The Congress later clarified that the meeting was meant to be informal. The BJP capitalized on the opportunity and emerged as the dominant party in the Hindi heartland states. The Congress faced criticism from its INDIA allies for not prioritizing seat-sharing talks with regional parties. Kumar has also been critical of the Congress’ slow progress in advancing the INDIA bloc. He called for unity and a common agenda, emphasizing the importance of working together for the welfare of the nation. The INDIA bloc meeting, originally scheduled for today, has been postponed to later this month. The Congress has not announced a specific date but sources suggest it could be held on December 18 or 19.
Nitish Kumar Addresses Speculations on Possible Absence from INDIA Meeting
