The JD(U), which has 12 MPs in the Lok Sabha, plays a pivotal role in bolstering the NDA’s numbers, as the BJP does not hold a majority in the Lower House of Parliament.

This comes after Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Yadav's "door open" remarks fuelled speculations of another political drama in Bihar. "Our doors are open for Nitish Kumar. He should also unbolt his gates.

Patna: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Saturday reacted to Rashtriya Janata Dal chief Lalu Prasad Yadav's invitation to join the opposition's alliance. The Bihar CM hinted at remaining with the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA. The Bihar CM said that he “made a mistake twice" in the past by joining hands with the RJD, reported News18.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Thursday offered a cryptic response to Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad Yadav's "doors open" statement to rejoin the opposition INDIA bloc.

JD(U) boss Nitish Kumar responds cryptically to Lalu Prasad's offer to return to INDIA bloc, sparking media speculation.

Later, when Bihar CM Nitish Kumar was accompanying the newly-appointed Governor, Arif Mohammed Khan, after his oath-taking ceremony in Patna, he was asked about Lalu Yadav’s offer. Nitish chose to avoid answering the question, simply folding his hands in response.

Chief Nitish Kumar responded with "folded hands" to Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) Supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav's "doors open" remark.

The RJD has said that Lalu had made the remark "sarcastically" after he was pestered with the same query again and again. "But the fact is, Nitish Kumar is in dire straits. He has lost his credibility.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Saturday (Jan 4) reacted to Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) president Lalu Prasad Yadav said that "he made a mistake twice" in the past by joining hands with the RJD. Nitish Kumar's statement comes after Yadav on Wednesday said that he was ready to "forgive and welcome" Bihar Chief Minister Kumar to join the opposition INDIA bloc.