Chennai, Ja. 29: In a recent development, Nitish Kumar, the president of the Janata Dal (United) and Bihar Chief Minister, has exited the INDIA bloc, citing differences in language preferences. According to DMK leader TR Baalu, Nitish Kumar insisted that ‘only Hindi should be spoken,’ a stance that the DMK reportedly tolerated for the sake of maintaining cordiality within the alliance.TR Baalu addressed reporters after holding seat-sharing talks with Congress leaders, expressing his views on Nitish Kumar’s departure from the INDIA bloc. Baalu downplayed the impact of Nitish Kumar’s exit, suggesting that there would be no significant electoral damage due to this move.
Baalu elaborated on Nitish Kumar’s language preference, stating, “He (Nitish Kumar) said everyone should talk in Hindi. We tolerated it. Even then, we kept quiet, as a compromise, for the sake of cordiality in the alliance. It was said that English must not be spoken. This is an ordinary matter (hinting at politics). It is okay.”
The DMK leader’s comments refer to a reported incident during an INDIA bloc meeting where Nitish Kumar emphasised the use of Hindi, leading to discussions within the alliance.
Responding to Nitish Kumar’s assertion that things did not work as per his plan within the INDIA bloc, Baalu questioned, “What did he plan? He did not spell out any plan; he said only Hindi should be spoken, and only that (message) remains.”
DMK organising secretary RS Bharathi expressed skepticism about Nitish Kumar’s future alliance with the BJP, labeling him as ‘fickle-minded’ and suggesting that his image has suffered among the people. Bharathi asserted that it was DMK President and Chief Minister MK Stalin who initiated efforts to bring together opposition parties at the national level to counter the BJP.
Despite Nitish Kumar’s departure, DMK remains confident in the success of the INDIA bloc, especially citing the recent poll deal in Uttar Pradesh with the Samajwadi Party led by Akhilesh Yadav. Bharathi expressed optimism that this success would be replicated in other parts of the nation.