Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's Delhi visit has created a tremendous amount of buzz amidst rising speculations about the expansion of the Union cabinet and Janata Dal (United)’s long-awaited representation in it.
There were a few reports doing the rounds that Nitish Kumar is likely to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss his party's inclusion in the Union Cabinet. Reports also stated that the Bihar CM is also likely to meet the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) chief JP Nadda.
For the uninitiated, even as the JD(U) had 16 MPs in the Lok Sabha, it stayed out of the Cabinet in 2019 when PM Modi began his second term. Reportedly it was over a disagreement between Nitish Kumar and the BJP on the number of ministries. The Bihar CM had apparently insisted on two ministries, however, the BJP was willing to give only one.
Meanwhile, JD(U) MP Lalan Singh has rubbished the reports. He has clarified that Nitish Kumar is going to Delhi for his eye treatment. Regarding the expansion of the Union cabinet, Singh said it is prerogative of PM Modi.
"These are all speculations. Bihar CM is going to Delhi for his eye treatment. As far as (Union) Cabinet expansion is concerned, it the prerogative of the PM. It is not right to link it with the CM's Delhi visit," Singh told news agency ANI.
