Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday decisively put an end to speculation surrounding the Chief Ministerial candidate for the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections, stating that the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) will contest the polls under the leadership of current Chief Minister and JD(U) chief, Nitish Kumar.
Shah, who is currently on a visit to the poll-bound state, emphasized the BJP’s unwavering faith in Kumar’s leadership, but also highlighted that the broader NDA alliance draws its ultimate strength from Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
“We are contesting the elections only under the leadership of Nitish Kumar ji and the NDA has been led by our PM Modi. The BJP has full trust in him, and the people of Bihar have full trust in him,” Shah said in a clear statement of support for the JD(U) chief.
The announcement comes amidst recent political jostling and speculation over the BJP’s long-term plans in the state, particularly after the finalization of the NDA’s seat-sharing arrangement. The alliance, which sees the BJP and JD(U) contest 101 seats each, alongside allies like the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), is banking on the continuity of development under Kumar’s two decades of governance.
However, Shah clarified that the ultimate decision on the next Chief Minister would be taken by the elected legislators after the polls. He recalled the scenario after the 2020 elections, where even though the BJP had won more seats, the party, under the guidance of PM Modi, had honored the alliance dharma and installed Nitish Kumar as CM.
With the first phase of nominations for the two-phase Bihar polls drawing to a close, Shah’s statement serves as a major morale booster and provides absolute clarity to the alliance’s workers and voters, rallying them behind the veteran leader. The Union Home Minister is also scheduled to hold a series of meetings and public rallies as the NDA prepares to launch its full-fledged campaign to secure a renewed mandate.