Eid or Politics? Nitish’s close aide Ghulam Gaus meeting with Lalu Yadav sparks speculation

With elections around the corner, Bihar’s political landscape is witnessing intense activity. A high-level meeting was held at CM Nitish Kumar’s residence, attended by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Chirag Paswan, Jitan Ram Manjhi, and Upendra Kushwaha. This meeting focused on seat sharing and election strategy for the upcoming polls. However, another major development has captured political attention—JDU MLC Ghulam Gaus, a close aide of Nitish Kumar, paid a visit to RJD supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav at his residence on the occasion of Eid. The timing of this meeting has sparked intense political speculation.

Ghulam Gaus, known for his proximity to CM Nitish, downplayed the visit, calling it a courtesy meeting. “I have old and good relations with Lalu Yadav. That’s why I went to meet him,” he stated. However, given the recent political tensions in Bihar, especially over the Waqf Bill, his meeting has raised several eyebrows. The opposition has been cornering the Nitish-led government, accusing it of siding with the BJP’s stand on the controversial bill.

The Waqf Bill has become a contentious issue, with RJD launching a full-blown attack on Nitish Kumar’s government. Posters, public speeches, and social media campaigns from RJD leaders suggest an aggressive attempt to woo the Muslim electorate, traditionally seen as a crucial vote bank. Ghulam Gaus’ meeting with Lalu Yadav has only fueled speculations of a possible rift within JDU’s Muslim leadership over the party’s stand on the bill.

Political observers point out that several Muslim leaders in JDU have refrained from visiting Lalu Yadav, making Gaus' sudden meeting even more intriguing. Many believe this could indicate dissatisfaction within a section of JDU, particularly those concerned about the potential backlash from Muslim voters. Ghulam Gaus, however, chose to remain silent when questioned about the Waqf Bill, further deepening the mystery surrounding his visit.

Amid this, Nitish Kumar finds himself in a precarious position. Balancing alliance politics with the BJP and retaining his hold over the Muslim vote bank has become a major challenge. His government’s stance on the Waqf Bill could determine the loyalty of his Muslim leaders and voters in the upcoming elections. Sources suggest that Nitish is attempting to navigate a middle path, but it remains to be seen whether he can successfully maintain this political balancing act.

With the elections nearing, Bihar’s political chessboard is witnessing rapid shifts. Will Nitish Kumar manage to hold his flock together, or will leaders like Ghulam Gaus start drifting toward the opposition? The coming weeks will be crucial in shaping the state’s political future.