Union Home Minister Amit Shah has decisively put an end to months of speculation regarding the leadership of the NDA in Bihar, confirming the alliance will contest the upcoming assembly elections under Chief Minister Nitish Kumar.
In an exclusive interview with NDTV, Shah delivered a statement of unambiguous clarity, aimed at quelling rumours of a potential BJP power-play in the state.
“Nitish Kumar is the Chief Minister, and we are fighting the elections under him,” Shah stated. “All the ‘if’s and ‘but’s are only in your mind. The people of Bihar know it, and the workers of both parties know it.”
This declaration from the BJP’s chief strategist is a calculated political move with far-reaching implications. For weeks, the narrative suggested the BJP, as the senior partner in legislative numbers, might push for its own CM face. Amit Shah has slammed the door shut on that possibility.
Amit Shah‘s Masterstroke: Why This Endorsement Matters Now
The timing of this statement is crucial. With the Lok Sabha elections concluded, the political focus now shifts to state battles, and Bihar is a critical prize. Shah’s clear endorsement serves multiple strategic purposes:
- Cementing the Alliance: It is a direct message of reassurance to Nitish Kumar and his Janata Dal (United) party. Kumar, known for his political unpredictability, returned to the NDA in January 2024. This public backing from the BJP’s top command is designed to project an image of stability and present a united front against the RJD-led Mahagathbandhan.
- A Directive to the State Unit: Ambitions within the Bihar BJP have been growing. Shah’s categorical statement is a clear instruction to the state cadre to fall in line, cease any internal dissent, and rally behind the declared leader. It reinforces the central command’s authority, prioritising alliance dharma.
Solidifying the NDA: A Message to Allies and Rivals
While the statement appears straightforward, it highlights the BJP’s pragmatic electoral strategy. The party acknowledges Nitish Kumar‘s enduring appeal among key voter demographics like the Extremely Backward Classes (EBCs) and Mahadalits, which are vital in Bihar’s complex caste arithmetic. Despite his frequent political shifts, Kumar’s administrative record and social engineering skills are assets the BJP is not willing to discard ahead of the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections.
This move also challenges the opposition. The RJD, led by Tejashwi Yadav, can no longer effectively campaign on the plank of the NDA‘s “inevitable” internal collapse. The battle lines for 2025 are now clearly drawn: it will be Nitish Kumar‘s NDA versus Tejashwi Yadav’s Mahagathbandhan.
For now, the message from Delhi is loud and clear: in the battle for Bihar, Nitish Kumar remains the NDA‘s chosen commander.
