Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s recent statement has stirred significant political tension in Bihar. Speaking on Thursday, Shah clarified that while the NDA would contest the Assembly under CM Nitish Kumar’s leadership, the decision on who will lead the post-election government rests with the alliance partners.
“Deciding whether Nitish will be the CM again is not my responsibility,” Shah said, adding that after the polls, all allies would meet to select their leader. He recalled that in 2020, Nitish Kumar had respectfully declined BJP’s CM candidate, honoring seniority when the alliance made the request.
Opposition Uses Statement as Political Tool
Opposition parties have seized Shah’s comments as a point of attack, alleging divisions within the NDA. Meanwhile, alliance members have maintained a discreet stance. Jitan Ram Manjhi, leader of the Hindustani Awam Morcha and Union Minister, supported Shah’s position but suggested that clarity regarding the next CM should have been provided before the election to avoid confusion. Manjhi also acknowledged past issues in JDU seat-sharing negotiations, asserting that the situation has now been resolved.
NDA Leaders Dismiss Discord Rumours
Lalan Singh of the JDU accused the opposition of spreading misinformation and urged them to consider the full context of Shah’s statements. Following a Friday meeting between Shah and Nitish, attended by deputies Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Sinha, NDA National President Sanjay Jha denied any internal conflict.
“It was only a discussion regarding election strategy; there are no problems in the NDA,” Jha said, mocking the opposition for their “daytime tickets, nighttime snatches” and dismissing false rumours.
Assurance from NDA Spokespersons
NDA spokesperson Neeraj Kumar emphasized, “Even if the moon and sun change places, it will not be too late for Nitish to be the CM; it is a done deal.” Ahead of a rally in Jagdishpur, where Nitish is scheduled to speak, the alliance appears to be projecting a united front against a divided opposition, countering speculation about internal differences.