'What are you saying': Nitish Kumar's curt response to Lalu Yadav's 'doors open' remark on reopening ties with Opposition

According to an NDTV report, when asked about Yadav's comment, Kumar folded his hands, smiled, and tersely said, "Kya bol rahe hain (What are you saying?)" without offering further clarification.

Yadav's statement, made during an interview, had hinted at reconciliation, saying, "Our doors are open for Nitish Kumar. He should also unbolt his gates. This would facilitate movement of people from both sides."

This overture has reignited speculation in Bihar about a potential alliance between the two leaders, long regarded as "bada bhai, chhota bhai" (big brother, little brother) in the state's political discourse.

The two leaders share a history of shifting alliances.

Kumar, who leads the Janata Dal (United), has allied with the RJD twice in the past decade, most recently as part of the Mahagathbandhan before rejoining the BJP-led NDA in 2024.

Tejashwi Yadav, Bihar’s Deputy Chief Minister and Lalu Prasad Yadav's son, downplayed his father's remarks as media-oriented comments, the NDTV report said.

"What else would he (Lalu Yadav) say? He was simply addressing your questions," Tejashwi told journalists at the swearing-in ceremony of Bihar's new Governor, Arif Mohammad Khan, according to the report.

However, Tejashwi also predicted that 2025 would mark the end of Nitish Kumar's tenure as Chief Minister, accusing him of being "captive" to a close circle of advisors and no longer capable of governing Bihar effectively.

Union Minister and JD(U) leader Lalan Singh dismissed the speculation, asserting the NDA's stability.

"The NDA is strong. JD(U) and BJP are united. People can say whatever they want - it is a free country," Singh was quoted as saying by NDTV.