Bihar’s political scene is once again abuzz with speculation about Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s next move. The topic began when Home Minister Amit Shah was asked about contesting the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections under the banner of Nitish Kumar, stating that such decisions are taken in alliance meetings and that the final decision is not. It gained momentum after Home Minister Amit Shah’s statement that the media would be informed when the decision would be made. Amit Shah’s remarks have sparked speculation that the BJP is yet to put its final seal on Nitish Kumar’s name.
Bihar Leaders Back Niche
A day after Amit Shah’s statement, Dilip Jaiswal, president of the Bharatiya Janata Party in Bihar and a minister in Nitish’s government, openly supported elections to be held under Nitish’s leadership. But within days, he changed his position, calling himself a “junior leader” and adding that such decisions were taken by the party’s high command. Leaders including Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha have consistently insisted that Nitish contest the elections without an initiative.
Nitish breaks the silence
Nitish Kumar’s recent political maneuvers have further fueled speculation. After Amit Shah’s remarks, Nitish complained of unwellness and did not attend some of the government’s major programmes. While the BJP leaders continued to issue statements about contesting the elections under the Kumar government, the JDU leader remained silent even as the RJD once again showed its feelings towards the party. RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav even claimed that four of Nitish’s close aides had taken him hostage as the CM himself was incapable of running the government. Tejashwi said these four leaders are taking decisions on behalf of Nitish Kumar.
However, Nitish Kumar is reacting to speculations that he may quit the NDA again after being convinced that his CM job is not in jeopardy. Speaking in Bihar’s Sitamarhi on Thursday, Kumar said he has already made two mistakes and is not going anywhere and will not work with the Bharatiya Janata Party for the development of the country. . Currently, Kumar is scheduled to visit Delhi on December 29, while Amit Shah is scheduled to visit Bihar in January. These developments appear to be an attempt by NDA leaders to dispel any misunderstandings that Shah’s remarks may have caused.
Bihar elections 2025
Assembly elections in Bihar are scheduled for the end of next year. In 2020, the NDA secured victory and a government was formed under the leadership of Nitish Kumar. However, by August 2022, Nitish had shifted allegiance to the Mahagathbandhan (Grand Alliance) and formed a government with the RJD. During this period, he united the opposition parties and laid the foundation for the Indian Union. In January 2024, Nitish returned to the NDA fold. Since then, he has repeatedly stated publicly that he has no intention of switching sides again.
