Bihar CM Nitish Kumar likely to visit Odisha, fuels speculations

Bihar Chief Minister and Janata Dal (United) chief Nitish Kumar is likely to visit Odisha and meet his Odisha counterpart Naveen Patnaik. His visit holds significance in view of the crucial 2024 general election.  

According to national media reports, the Bihar CM is likely to visit Odisha on May 5 and hold discussion with Patnaik at Naveen Niwas in Bhubaneswar.

Though the motive behind Nitish Kumar’s visit is not clear yet, speculations are rife that discussion on the formation of United Front may be a topic between the two leaders during their meeting. 

“There is absolutely no problem in a leader meeting another leader. This is a courtesy visit. Speculating political outcomes out of the meet is not needed. As Naveen Patnaik is a senior leader in the country, many political leaders come to meet him. The CM will take the right decision at the right time,” BJD MLA Parsuram Dhada said.

Commenting on the development, BJP MLA Budhan Murmu said, “Nitesh might be meeting CM Naveen. But, I am not aware of what they will discuss in the closed doors. Many survey reports suggest BJP will form the government again at the Centre. Their meet might come up with a strategy to restrict our victory.” 

It is worthwhile to mention here that Nitish had met Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal, West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee and Telangana CM K. Chandrashekar Rao in the past.

Previously, Nitish had met CM Naveen in 2017.