Patna, March 7: In a decisive move ahead of the Bihar Assembly elections scheduled later this year, Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary confirmed that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will continue backing Chief Minister Nitish Kumar as the National Democratic Alliance's (NDA) leader. His statement puts an end to ongoing speculations about a potential new face emerging within the alliance for Bihar’s top post.
BJP Firmly Behind Nitish Kumar
Speaking in Patna, Choudhary clarified, “The BJP is comfortable with Nitish Kumar, who has led the NDA in Bihar since 1996. Nitish Kumar was our leader yesterday, he remains our leader today, and he will continue to be so tomorrow.”
Choudhary, a former state BJP president known for his vocal criticism of Kumar during their time apart, stressed the coalition's unity, stating clearly that the BJP now stands firmly behind its alliance partners. He mentioned that political dynamics naturally required opposition questioning, but as allies, the BJP’s commitment remains unwavering.
Choudhary also recalled Kumar’s own acknowledgment of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s pivotal role in his political rise, noting, "Even RJD president Lalu Prasad had become Chief Minister with BJP's support, although he later took a different path."
Nishant Kumar’s Political Debut a JD(U) Internal Matter
Addressing speculation surrounding the potential political entry of Kumar’s son, Nishant Kumar, Choudhary described it as a personal decision. "It's an internal matter of JD(U), and whatever they decide, BJP, as an alliance partner, will support their decision," he remarked diplomatically.
Chirag Paswan Strengthens NDA Coalition
Highlighting the cohesion within NDA, Choudhary praised Union Minister Chirag Paswan, president of Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), calling him “a tall leader who lends strength to the coalition.”
NDA Confident of Victory in Bihar Assembly Elections 2025
Expressing optimism, Choudhary asserted that the NDA is poised to secure more than 200 out of 243 seats in the forthcoming assembly elections. Crediting the "double engine government"—a term widely used by BJP to signify simultaneous governance at the Centre and the state—for Bihar’s rapid development, Choudhary believes voters will reward the coalition’s proven track record.
Sharp Criticism of Tejashwi Yadav and RJD's Leadership
Choudhary was openly dismissive of Tejashwi Yadav, leader of the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and the NDA’s main opposition. Calling Tejashwi "merely an appointee of his father Lalu Prasad," he ridiculed him as "baua" (child) who owes his political status entirely to familial lineage.
“The day Lalu ji decides to pick Tej Pratap or Misa Bharti as his political heir, nobody will care about Tejashwi,” Choudhary claimed, asserting that Bihar’s electorate is unwilling to revert to a "monarchical style of politics."
He recalled RJD’s controversial governance between 1990 and 2005, referencing lawlessness and crime, including robberies during a marriage in Lalu Prasad’s family. Choudhary also criticized Tejashwi’s populist promises, highlighting contradictions such as the RJD’s earlier role in imposing prohibition, despite current attempts to woo toddy tappers.
“Tejashwi boasts of achievements during his tenure as Deputy CM, ignoring that executive power rested entirely with the Chief Minister. Bihar will remind him that it rejects dynastic rule,” Choudhary stated confidently.
With Bihar gearing up for a fiercely contested assembly election, Choudhary’s remarks underscore the BJP’s clear stance, setting the tone for the NDA’s electoral strategy.
