Last Updated:
Nitish’s Kurmi support base and administrative reputation remain relevant in Bihar’s complex caste and governance landscape
Shah’s carefully worded remarks appeared to balance respect for Nitish’s role with a subtle readiness for a post-election recalibration, should circumstances require. (File photo: X/NitishKumar)
When Union Home Minister Amit Shah stood in Bihar and declared that the NDA would contest the Assembly election under Nitish Kumar’s leadership—but that the decision on the Chief Minister would be taken after the polls by the elected MLAs—he wasn’t just stating a procedural fact. His comment marked a strategic signal from the BJP, underscoring both support for the current alliance and a degree of political flexibility.
Publicly, Shah’s statement was wrapped in deference— “We are contesting under Nitishji’s leadership.” Yet, the caveat that the CM would be chosen post-election introduced a note of ambiguity. It reminded both allies and voters that the formal decision rests with the NDA legislature party, which is numerically dominated by the BJP.
At one level, it was a message to the JD(U)—a reminder of evolving dynamics within the alliance. At another, observers say, it reflected the BJP’s desire to keep its options open in case of any unforeseen developments related to leadership.
JD(U)’s nervous assertiveness
The Janata Dal (United) responded quickly. Spokesperson Neeraj Kumar asked, “When the elections are being fought under Nitish, how can anyone else become CM?” Senior leader Sanjay Kumar Jha reassured that “all is well in the NDA”. Neeraj Kumar’s emphatic phrasing—“Chandra tare, Surya tare, tare sakal sansar; Mukhya Mantri ki kursi se na tare Nitish Kumar”—underscored the party’s confidence in Nitish’s centrality, even as it hinted at deeper concerns.
JD(U) leaders also pointed to past precedence. Speaking to News18, senior JD(U) leader KC Tyagi said, “The election will be fought under the leadership of Nitish Kumar. Amit Shah Ji has said that he has been made CM in spite of having lower numbers. Hence, it’s clear, even if we have lower numbers, Nitish Kumar Ji will remain CM. He (Amit Shah) hasn’t said for once that anyone apart from Nitish Kumar will become Chief Minister.”
Opposition senses a crack
Opposition parties, particularly the RJD and Congress, seized upon Shah’s comments. “The BJP has virtually taken control of the JD(U),” said RJD spokesperson Chitranjan Gagan, who added that Nitish now appears to be a CM “on borrowed time”.
The opposition, looking to revive its momentum under the INDIA bloc, saw the remarks as a potential faultline within the NDA. They also accused the BJP of deflecting from issues like unemployment and economic stagnation by focusing on themes like infiltration and “jungle raj”. The RJD is positioning Tejashwi Yadav’s youth and energy as a contrast to Nitish’s long tenure.
BJP’s clarification, and its calculation
Sensing that the opposition might exploit the ambiguity, the BJP released video clips of Shah’s full speech, reiterating that Nitish remains the NDA’s leader in Bihar. However, even in clarification, the phrasing kept the procedural caveat intact — that elected MLAs will choose the CM after the election.
For the BJP, Nitish remains a key figure — a long-time ally, a familiar administrative face, and a counter to RJD’s caste-driven appeal. His presence helps retain the NDA’s core vote base and adds continuity to the alliance’s governance narrative in Bihar.
Why the tightrope matters
Nitish Kumar’s age and long political career have become part of the broader discourse around succession and future leadership. Shah’s carefully worded remarks appeared to balance respect for Nitish’s role with a subtle readiness for a post-election recalibration, should circumstances require.
The BJP’s Bihar strategy is shaped by two key considerations:
- Retaining the NDA’s traditional vote base by continuing with Nitish as the leader for now.
- Simultaneously reinforcing the BJP’s organisational presence in the state to strengthen its long-term prospects.
This was evident in Shah’s assertion that the NDA would register its “biggest victory in 20 years”—a formulation that frames the anticipated success as a collective effort while reinforcing the BJP’s central role in the alliance machinery.
The road ahead
For now, observers say, the BJP continues to stand by Nitish Kumar. His Kurmi support base and administrative reputation remain relevant in Bihar’s complex caste and governance landscape. Shah’s phrasing—that “MLAs will decide”—remains aligned with constitutional norms but also reflects the political fluidity that could emerge post-election.
In Bihar’s political theatre, Shah’s statement served as a reminder of evolving equations—and of the quiet recalibrations that can follow even the most deferential declarations.
Anindya Banerjee, Associate Editor brings over fifteen years of journalistic courage to the forefront. With a keen focus on politics and policy, Anindya has garnered a wealth of experience, with deep throat in …Read More
Anindya Banerjee, Associate Editor brings over fifteen years of journalistic courage to the forefront. With a keen focus on politics and policy, Anindya has garnered a wealth of experience, with deep throat in … Read More
October 18, 2025, 17:44 IST
Read More
