The Crossbill News Desk
As Bihar braces for year-end assembly elections, speculation is mounting over the future of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, with reports suggesting that he may be offered an “honourable exit” from state politics.
While the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has reiterated its commitment to contest the elections under Kumar's leadership, political circles are abuzz with talk of a strategic reshuffle within the ruling NDA coalition.
According to a report by The Times of India, concerns over Nitish Kumar’s health — both physical and mental — have fuelled these rumours, even as his son Nishant Kumar hints at a possible political debut. The Janata Dal (United) [JD(U)] chief, 74, remains a central figure in the NDA’s plans, but murmurs within the alliance suggest that the BJP may be eyeing a larger share of the political pie in the state.
Adding to the speculation, senior BJP leader and former Union minister Ashwini Kumar Choubey recently proposed that Nitish Kumar be elevated to the post of Deputy Prime Minister.
“It is my personal wish that he be made the deputy Prime Minister. If the wish is granted, Bihar will see the second son of its soil, after Babu Jagjivan Ram, rising to the office,” Choubey told TOI, lauding Kumar’s role as an anchor within the NDA and a steadfast supporter of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Analysts interpret this as part of the BJP’s broader plan to emerge as the dominant partner in the alliance.
Political commentator Kumar Vijay told TOI, “Now, the BJP wants to dominate the politics of Bihar and become a senior partner in the alliance. It is very likely that the BJP will give Nitish Kumar an 'honourable exit' from Bihar by placing him in the central cabinet”
“BJP would attempt to maintain its alliance with the JD(U) by offering Nitish Kumar's son, Nishant, the position of deputy chief minister,” he added.
Nishant Kumar has of late shown interest in public life, subtly indicating his readiness to step into politics — a move many believe could be part of a well-thought-out transition.
However, the JD(U) has categorically denied any plans for leadership change. Party spokesperson Neeraj Kumar dismissed speculation, citing Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s recent affirmation that the NDA will contest the 2025 Bihar polls under Nitish Kumar’s leadership.
“We have nothing to do with who says what. Union minister Amit Shah has already announced that the NDA will fight the next assembly polls under the leadership of Nitish,” Neeraj Kumar said.
Meanwhile, Jan Suraaj founder and political strategist Prashant Kishor launched a scathing attack on the ruling alliance, calling the upcoming elections Nitish Kumar’s “political funeral.”
Addressing a rally, Kishor accused the government of attempting to sabotage his ‘Bihar Badlaw Yatra’ and criticized both the JD(U) and BJP for failing the people.
“Let us resolve to root out this government. The people of Bihar were let down by Lalu Prasad who brought in 'jungle raj'. They are now reeling under a new type of bureaucratic 'jungle raj' under Nitish Kumar. And (prime minister) Narendra Modi, who backs Nitish, has also disappointed the people,” Kishor said, vowing to perform a "rajnitik shraddh" (political last rites) of the CM, reported Times Now.
Currently, the NDA government in Bihar comprises 21 BJP ministers and 13 JD(U) ministers, including the chief minister. In the 2020 assembly elections, the BJP secured 74 seats to JD(U)’s 43, yet supported Kumar’s continuation as CM as per their pre-poll agreement.
With the Mahagathbandhan — comprising the RJD, Congress, and Left parties — gearing up for a tough fight, all eyes are now on the next political move of Nitish Kumar and the shape the NDA’s strategy will take in the months ahead.
While the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has reiterated its commitment to contest the elections under Kumar's leadership, political circles are abuzz with talk of a strategic reshuffle within the ruling NDA coalition.
According to a report by The Times of India, concerns over Nitish Kumar’s health — both physical and mental — have fuelled these rumours, even as his son Nishant Kumar hints at a possible political debut. The Janata Dal (United) [JD(U)] chief, 74, remains a central figure in the NDA’s plans, but murmurs within the alliance suggest that the BJP may be eyeing a larger share of the political pie in the state.
Adding to the speculation, senior BJP leader and former Union minister Ashwini Kumar Choubey recently proposed that Nitish Kumar be elevated to the post of Deputy Prime Minister.
“It is my personal wish that he be made the deputy Prime Minister. If the wish is granted, Bihar will see the second son of its soil, after Babu Jagjivan Ram, rising to the office,” Choubey told TOI, lauding Kumar’s role as an anchor within the NDA and a steadfast supporter of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Analysts interpret this as part of the BJP’s broader plan to emerge as the dominant partner in the alliance.
Political commentator Kumar Vijay told TOI, “Now, the BJP wants to dominate the politics of Bihar and become a senior partner in the alliance. It is very likely that the BJP will give Nitish Kumar an 'honourable exit' from Bihar by placing him in the central cabinet”
“BJP would attempt to maintain its alliance with the JD(U) by offering Nitish Kumar's son, Nishant, the position of deputy chief minister,” he added.
Nishant Kumar has of late shown interest in public life, subtly indicating his readiness to step into politics — a move many believe could be part of a well-thought-out transition.
However, the JD(U) has categorically denied any plans for leadership change. Party spokesperson Neeraj Kumar dismissed speculation, citing Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s recent affirmation that the NDA will contest the 2025 Bihar polls under Nitish Kumar’s leadership.
“We have nothing to do with who says what. Union minister Amit Shah has already announced that the NDA will fight the next assembly polls under the leadership of Nitish,” Neeraj Kumar said.
Meanwhile, Jan Suraaj founder and political strategist Prashant Kishor launched a scathing attack on the ruling alliance, calling the upcoming elections Nitish Kumar’s “political funeral.”
Addressing a rally, Kishor accused the government of attempting to sabotage his ‘Bihar Badlaw Yatra’ and criticized both the JD(U) and BJP for failing the people.
“Let us resolve to root out this government. The people of Bihar were let down by Lalu Prasad who brought in 'jungle raj'. They are now reeling under a new type of bureaucratic 'jungle raj' under Nitish Kumar. And (prime minister) Narendra Modi, who backs Nitish, has also disappointed the people,” Kishor said, vowing to perform a "rajnitik shraddh" (political last rites) of the CM, reported Times Now.
Currently, the NDA government in Bihar comprises 21 BJP ministers and 13 JD(U) ministers, including the chief minister. In the 2020 assembly elections, the BJP secured 74 seats to JD(U)’s 43, yet supported Kumar’s continuation as CM as per their pre-poll agreement.
With the Mahagathbandhan — comprising the RJD, Congress, and Left parties — gearing up for a tough fight, all eyes are now on the next political move of Nitish Kumar and the shape the NDA’s strategy will take in the months ahead.
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