Despite this new parity, the NDA continues to fight the elections under the leadership of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, with the alliance projecting unity and confidence in his administrative record.
Amit Shah: “NDA Fighting Under Nitish Kumar’s Leadership”
During his ongoing two-day visit to Bihar, Union Home Minister and senior BJP leader Amit Shah addressed the question of the coalition’s chief ministerial face — a topic that has fueled speculation amid the changing dynamics of the NDA.
Speaking to a news channel, Shah clarified,
“At present, the NDA is contesting the elections under the leadership of Nitish Kumar. Not only the BJP but also the people of Bihar have complete faith in him. The decision on who will become Chief Minister after the NDA’s victory will be taken by the legislative party.”
The statement was seen as both a reaffirmation of Nitish Kumar’s leadership and a strategic attempt to maintain flexibility within the alliance. Shah’s words suggest that while Nitish continues to be the face of governance for now, the BJP wants to keep its options open regarding leadership decisions after the results.
Later in the day, Shah is scheduled to address a massive public rally in Taraiya, Chhapra, and attend the nomination filing of BJP MLA Janak Singh from the same constituency. He will also participate in a series of meetings to finalize campaign strategy and oversee preparations for the first phase of polling.
Deputy CM Samrat Chaudhary Avoids CM Face Question
Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary, who has been emerging as a key organizational figure in the state BJP, chose to remain silent when reporters pressed him about the NDA’s potential Chief Ministerial face.
At Patna Airport on Friday, Chaudhary avoided direct answers, stating only that the alliance was united under Nitish Kumar’s leadership and that all efforts were focused on ensuring the NDA’s victory. His noncommittal stance has further fueled speculation that the BJP may reassess leadership arrangements depending on post-poll arithmetic.
Manjhi Calls for Clarity Before Voting
Former Bihar Chief Minister and Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM) chief Jitan Ram Manjhi, whose party is a constituent of the NDA, offered a nuanced response to Shah’s statement.
Acknowledging the Home Minister’s authority within the alliance, Manjhi said,
“Amit Shah is one of the top leaders of the NDA, and whatever he says is final. However, I personally believe that the name of the leader — the future Chief Minister — should be declared before the elections. There should be no confusion among the voters.”
Manjhi also took a dig at the opposition Mahagathbandhan (Grand Alliance), pointing out their ongoing struggle to finalize candidate lists.
“The Mahagathbandhan is facing confusion and internal discord, which is why their list is still incomplete. Fortunately, things within the NDA have remained smooth and coordinated so far,” he added.
Alliance Dynamics and Political Messaging
The NDA’s decision to maintain seat parity between the BJP and JDU reflects the delicate balance within the coalition after recent political realignments in Bihar. While Nitish Kumar continues to lead the government, the BJP’s expanding influence and assertiveness have subtly altered the power structure within the alliance.
By keeping the Chief Ministerial question open, the BJP appears to be hedging its bets — ensuring Nitish remains the face of stability during the campaign while reserving room for a post-election reassessment depending on seat outcomes.
Amit Shah’s visit, coupled with high-profile rallies and coordination meetings, signals the BJP’s determination to maximize its presence in Bihar, where it aims to outperform the Mahagathbandhan and consolidate its hold over key regions in the state’s heartland.
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