Nitish Kumar and Tejashwi Yadav Share Flight to Delhi Amid Speculation of Coalition Talks

As the process intensifies to establish the upcoming government at the Center, Bihar Chief Minister and leader of Janata Dal United (JDU), Nitish Kumar, along with Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav, departed for Delhi on the same flight on Wednesday. Reports indicate that the two Bihar leaders, one in alliance with the BJP and the other with Congress, boarded a Vistara flight at 10:30 am.

The focus now shifts to the interactions between these two leaders during their flight, especially with the Congress-led INDIA bloc eyeing the possibility of forming the central government. It's noteworthy that Nitish and Tejashwi were coalition partners not long ago before the Bihar Chief Minister aligned with the BJP.

The JDU has reaffirmed its commitment to remain a part of the NDA alliance, aligning with the BJP to establish the central government. JDU leader KC Tyagi emphasized that there is no intention to backtrack on their decision. "The coincidental presence of both leaders on the same flight does not alter our stance. We are resolute in our support for the NDA," Tyagi conveyed to CNN-News18.

In the recent Bihar elections, JDU secured 12 seats while the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) won 12 seats as well. Additionally, the NDA ally Lok Janshakti Party (LJP), led by Chirag Paswan, clinched five seats.

Ahead of their flight to Delhi, JDU leaders held discussions with Nitish Kumar regarding government formation. Addressing speculations, JDU spokesperson KC Tyagi reiterated their commitment to the NDA. "Our allegiance to the NDA remains steadfast under Nitish Kumar's leadership. JD(U) reaffirms its support to the NDA," Tyagi asserted.

Sources reveal that amidst ongoing developments, NCP chief and INDIA bloc ally Sharad Pawar reached out to Nitish Kumar, and subsequently, Bihar BJP chief Samrat Choudhary visited Nitish’s residence to meet with him.