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Bihar's RJD Warns of 'Ne-pal-Like' Crisis Amid Fragile NDA Alliance

  //politics-government.news-articles.net/content/ .. e-pal-like-crisis-amid-fragile-nda-alliance.html
  Published in Politics and Government on Thursday, November 13th 2025 at 9:00 GMT by rediff.com

Bihar on the Edge: RJD’s Stark Warning of a “Ne­pal‑Like” Crisis if the Current Alliance Collapses
Rediff.com, 13 Nov 2025

In a sharply worded editorial published on Rediff on 13 November 2025, the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) sounded a warning that the political fortunes of Bihar could spiral into chaos if the fragile alliance between the BJP‑led National Democratic Alliance (NDA), the Janata Dal (United) and the RJD disintegrates. The party’s chief, Lalu Prasad Yadav, likened a potential breakdown of the coalition to a “Ne­pal‑like” situation – a reference that, according to the RJD, underscores the grave dangers of political fragmentation in the state’s volatile landscape.

The RJD’s Contextual Call

The article opens with a quotation from an RJD press release that was posted on the party’s official website and later referenced on Rediff. Lalu Prasad Yadav urges the ruling coalition to remain united and warns that any withdrawal of support from any partner could trigger a chain reaction of violence, political unrest and economic paralysis. The “Ne­pal‑like” analogy is used to highlight the potential for widespread social discord, citing Nepal’s own turbulent political history in the past decade, where a sudden change in power led to nationwide protests, economic slowdown and a series of regional clashes.

The Fragility of the NDA in Bihar

Bihar’s political landscape has long been shaped by a revolving door of alliances. Since 2015 the NDA, headed by the BJP, has governed the state in partnership with JD(U) and the RJD. The coalition’s stability has been precarious: JD(U)’s internal rifts, RJD’s longstanding opposition to the BJP on policy fronts, and a growing base of anti‑BJP sentiment among the electorate have all posed significant risks. Rediff’s article contextualises this by referencing a 2024 opinion piece that traced the decline in the NDA’s vote share in the last two elections, noting that the alliance’s ability to deliver on development promises has been questioned by the public.

The article further cites a 2025 editorial from the Hindustan Times that argues the NDA’s survival depends on the “cohesive working of the coalition’s leadership” and the “mutual concessions” that have kept it together. The RJD’s call to “tighten the bonds” is therefore seen as an attempt to pre-empt a possible collapse that could benefit opposition parties, especially the Congress, which is looking to capitalise on any perceived disunity within the ruling bloc.

“Ne­pal‑Like” – What It Means for Bihar

While the comparison is evocative, it is not merely an abstract metaphor. The article explains that in 2015, Nepal’s sudden political shift following the fall of its monarchy sparked widespread civil unrest, a disruption of public services, and a surge in anti‑government protests. The RJD suggests that a similar breakdown in Bihar could lead to the “breaking up of the social fabric” and “the collapse of the law and order apparatus.” In practical terms, this could mean a surge in violent protests, disruptions to the state’s supply chains, and an erosion of public trust in institutions.

According to the RJD, the most pressing danger lies in the possibility that the BJP’s central leadership might withdraw support from the coalition if the RJD’s demands – notably greater autonomy for the state in handling its developmental programmes – are not met. The RJD contends that the BJP’s perceived centralisation of power and its failure to adequately address rural poverty, water scarcity and infrastructure deficits could ignite the next “Ne­pal‑like” crisis.

Political Fallout and Reactions

The article reports that RJD’s warning has elicited mixed reactions from other parties. The BJP’s spokesperson, on a television interview in early November, dismissed the RJD’s concerns as “political posturing” and reaffirmed the party’s commitment to the NDA. The JD(U)’s leader, Nitish Kumar, expressed support for the RJD’s stance on the need for “mutual trust and transparency” among coalition partners but stopped short of endorsing the “Ne­pal‑like” analogy.

In addition, the piece quotes a senior Congress leader who sees the RJD’s warning as an opportunity for the opposition to position itself as a more stable alternative. “If the NDA fails to stay together, the opposition could step in and restore order,” the Congress leader said, hinting at a possible pre‑electoral alliance with the RJD.

The Electoral Clock

Rediff’s article also provides a quick look at the electoral timeline, noting that Bihar’s Legislative Assembly elections are slated for early 2026. The RJD warns that the political climate in the coming months will be decisive: a coalition collapse could lead to a “Ne­pal‑like” scenario that could sway the electorate against the current ruling bloc. By contrast, a cohesive NDA could deliver on development promises, thereby consolidating voter confidence.

The article concludes by urging the BJP and JD(U) to heed the RJD’s warning and act decisively to maintain the coalition’s stability, warning that the stakes are not only political but also social and economic.

Bottom Line

The RJD’s Rediff editorial is a stark reminder of how fragile coalition politics can become in a state as populous and politically diverse as Bihar. By invoking the “Ne­pal‑like” comparison, the party underscores the risks of political fragmentation and its potential to create a climate of unrest and uncertainty. As the 2026 elections loom, the RJD’s message appears aimed at galvanising its base, pressuring coalition partners to avoid a disastrous split, and ensuring that Bihar does not fall into a crisis reminiscent of Nepal’s past turmoil.