Despite NDA getting majority in Bihar elections 2025, there is doubt over Nitish Kumar becoming CM for the 10th time. The main reasons for this are the statements of BJP leaders, the party’s own ambitions and the possibility of ‘Shinde Model’. The final decision will be taken in the NDA meeting.
Patna: The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) has secured a landslide majority in the Bihar Assembly elections 2025, due to which it is certain to form the government in the state. However, despite this clear mandate, the question still remains in the political circles whether Nitish Kumar will become the Chief Minister for the tenth time? Due to the recent statements of some BJP leaders and changed political equations, there is a cloud of confusion over the coronation of Nitish Kumar. There are four main reasons for the confusion arising over Nitish Kumar continuing as the Chief Minister.
1. Statements of BJP leaders and ‘Amit Shah factor’
The biggest reason for confusion is the statements of the top leadership of BJP. Amidst the elections, while some BJP leaders had clearly announced to contest the elections under the leadership of Nitish Kumar, Home Minister Amit Shah had said in an important statement that “We are contesting the elections under the leadership of Nitish Kumar. When the results come, NDA MLAs will sit and select the CM.” The BJP leaders not giving a clear guarantee that ‘Nitish will be the CM’ indicates that the party can keep its stand strong in the legislature party meeting.
2. Opportunity for BJP to ‘end the wait’
BJP workers and leaders have been waiting to see their Chief Minister in the state for a long time. After the spectacular performance in this election, BJP has the best opportunity ever to make one of its leaders the Chief Minister. If this opportunity is missed, he will have to wait for five more years, which will be a huge political loss for the party.
3. Possibility and political compulsion of ‘Shinde Model’
The political developments in Maharashtra are being seen in the context of Bihar. The BJP in Maharashtra had earlier announced to contest the elections under the leadership of Eknath Shinde, but after winning more seats after the elections, it insisted on making it its own Chief Minister and was ultimately successful. If BJP adopts a similar stand in Bihar, Nitish Kumar will have no option to change sides. RJD and Congress have already lost, and the support of NDA constituents will also remain with BJP. In such a situation, Nitish may be forced to accept the conditions of BJP.
4. Nitish Kumar’s public activities and health questions
An indirect reason for confusion is related to Nitish Kumar himself. In recent times, some of his activities came to light during public programs, which started discussions about his health. Although the election results have silenced his critics, it is not yet clear how the BJP views this personal angle in the alliance meeting. The party leadership will need a stable leader to hold the charge for a long time.
At present the NDA alliance has got an overwhelming majority and Nitish Kumar is most likely to become the Chief Minister again. But the final decision will depend on the BJP legislature party meeting and the stance of their top leadership.