Bihar’s 2025 Political Puzzle: Who Will Lead the State Next?
As Bihar approaches the 2025 Assembly elections, the political atmosphere is thick with speculation. The central question gripping the state’s political circles is whether Nitish Kumar will return as Chief Minister if the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) secures victory. Known for his remarkable political resilience, Nitish Kumar, now 74, faces perhaps his toughest challenge yet, with doubts surrounding both his health and his hold over Bihar’s electorate.
Amit Shah’s Statement Sparks Speculation
Fueling the ongoing debate, Union Home Minister Amit Shah recently made remarks that sent political observers into a frenzy. During a televised interaction, Shah stated, “Nitish will lead our election campaign. The elected MLAs of the coalition partners will first elect their respective party leaders, who will then sit together and decide as to who will head the next government.”
His statement was swiftly interpreted by the Opposition as a sign that the BJP may not be fully committed to reinstating Nitish Kumar as Chief Minister if the NDA wins. The Congress quickly posted a video on social media claiming, “Nitish nahi banenge CM, Amit Shah ne kar diya clear.”
However, the BJP wasted no time countering this narrative, releasing the full clip of Shah’s interview and asserting that his words had been selectively edited. “Those who are distorting Shah’s statement are misleading the people of Bihar for political gain,” the BJP clarified, calling it an attempt to create unnecessary confusion within the alliance.
Chirag Paswan and Jitan Ram Manjhi Echo Shah’s Remarks
Union Minister and Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) chief Chirag Paswan backed Shah’s version, noting that the process described was standard in any democratic alliance. “Amit Shah referred to the normal process of choosing the Chief Minister after the election. Our MLAs will select their leader as per procedure,” he said.
Similarly, Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular) patron and Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi supported the idea of clarity within the NDA ranks. He urged the alliance to declare its chief ministerial face early to prevent confusion among voters and project unity. Manjhi acknowledged that while minor seat-sharing disagreements had surfaced, the situation within the NDA remained largely stable.
Upendra Kushwaha Confirms Nitish as NDA’s Face
Amid the speculation, Rashtriya Lokmanch (RLM) president Upendra Kushwaha stepped forward to confirm that Nitish Kumar will indeed lead the NDA campaign in Bihar. “Nitish Kumar ji is our CM face. The elections are being contested under his leadership, and we are confident of forming the government once again,” he told ANI. Kushwaha’s assertion was intended to bring closure to the internal debate, though it has not entirely quelled speculation about post-poll scenarios.
Prashant Kishor’s Prediction: A Storm on the Horizon?
Adding another twist to Bihar’s political saga, Jan Suraaj founder Prashant Kishor has been vocal in predicting Nitish Kumar’s political downfall. The political strategist-turned-activist claims that the JD(U) will struggle to secure even 25 of the 243 seats in the upcoming election. Kishor has described Nitish as “physically tired and mentally retired,” alleging that the Chief Minister has lost touch with both governance and the ground realities of Bihar’s electorate.
According to Kishor, the JD(U) faces a severe erosion of its core vote base, with Jan Suraaj emerging as a viable alternative for sections of the electorate seeking change. His repeated remarks have reignited conversations about the longevity of Nitish’s leadership and the NDA’s preparedness for a post-Nitish Bihar.
The Road Ahead for Bihar
With months to go before the state heads to the polls, Bihar’s political narrative remains fluid. The BJP’s careful positioning, Chirag Paswan’s loyalty, and Prashant Kishor’s sharp critiques have turned the upcoming election into a referendum on Nitish Kumar’s enduring relevance. While the NDA insists that the Chief Minister remains its leader, the final decision on Bihar’s next CM may ultimately depend on post-election arithmetic and shifting political alliances.
As campaign strategies intensify and alliances consolidate, one thing is clear — Bihar is set for a high-stakes, unpredictable political contest. Whether Nitish Kumar can script yet another comeback or yield space to a new face within the NDA remains the defining question of the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections.
