PM Modi Endorses Nitish Kumar as NDA’s CM Pick in Bihar
Prime Minister Narendra Modi publicly backed Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar as the NDA’s likely chief ministerial candidate during a high-energy rally in Patna. Modi warned against the return of “Jungle Raj”—a BJP-coined term for the RJD’s past rule—and credited Kumar for Bihar’s progress in infrastructure, education, and women’s safety.
Key Quote:
“Bihar saw the dark days of Jungle Raj. Under Nitish Ji, the state has moved forward. We must protect this progress,” Modi declared, signaling a united NDA front for the 2025 state elections.
Why BJP’s Nitish Gambit Matters
Modi’s endorsement:
– Strengthens NDA unity amid rumblings from BJP state leaders.
– Targets EBC/Mahadalit votes, crucial to counter RJD’s MY (Muslim-Yadav) base.
– Counters opposition attacks on Nitish’s frequent party switches (“Paltu Ram” jibes).
Insight: BJP sources confirm the central leadership prefers Nitish’s incumbency advantage over pushing a saffron CM face.
Opposition Cry Foul: ‘Hypocrisy’ or Smart Politics?
- RJD’s Tejashwi Yadav slammed Modi’s U-turn: “From ‘Paltu Ram’ to praise—BJP is desperate.”
- Congress’s Rahul Gandhi called the alliance “opportunistic”, citing Nitish’s history of flip-flops.
Bihar’s Political Roadmap
- NDA’s focus: Sell “stability + Modi’s guarantees” vs. RJD’s jobs/youth pitch.
- Wildcard: Will BJP demand more seats given its national clout?
Final Word: Modi’s Patna rally sets the NDA’s tone—Nitish’s development record and anti-RJD rhetoric versus the opposition’s call for change. Bihar’s electoral battle is now officially underway.
(For real-time updates on Bihar polls, follow [YourOutlet].)
