This latest round of conjecture began after Lalu Yadav, in a recent interview, expressed willingness to welcome Kumar back.

As Bihar gears up for polls, all major parties, including the RJD and the NDA, have intensified their preparations.

Nitish Kumar was asked about Lalu Yadav's 'our doors are open' remark, where the latter offered his former ally to join hands with INDIA bloc again

Bihar Chief Minister and JD-U leader Nitish Kumar had aligned twice with the RJD, a constituent of the INDIA bloc, in the last one decade.

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.

President Lalu Prasad Yadav on Wednesday (Dec 1) said that he was ready to "forgive and welcome" Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar to join the opposition INDIA bloc. Yadav said that Nitish should also open the gates as it would facilitate movement from both sides.

RJD President Lalu Prasad Yadav invited Bihar CM Nitish Kumar back to the INDIA bloc. Tejashwi Yadav downplayed the remarks as media-driven. Meanwhile, NDA leaders reinforced their unity, while Devendra Fadnavis mocked Lalu’s aspirations,

On reporters’ question, Bihar CM Nitish Kumar reacts over Lalu Yadav’s statement on RJD-JDU alliance. Bangladesh court rejects bail to jailed Hindu monk Chinmoy Krishna Das 'I don’t miss international cricket': MS Dhoni opens up on Team India retirement Strange Things Found In the Deep Sea Kia Syros booking begins tonight.

Bihar CM Nitish Kumar gave a vague response to RJD chief Lalu Prasad's offer of rejoining the INDIA bloc, stirring speculation. Tejashwi Yadav downplayed his father's comments, while Union minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh asserted NDA's unity.