JD(U) Pushes for Nitish as CM Amid BJP’s Mixed Signals; Opposition Seizes the Moment

Even as Prime Minister Narendra Modi referred to Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar as a “ladle mukhyamantri” (dear chief minister) during a joint rally in Bhagalpur on February 24, JD(U) leaders were left wanting more. They had anticipated a formal declaration from the PM, endorsing Nitish as the NDA’s chief ministerial candidate for the upcoming state elections in October-November. However, with state BJP leaders offering contradictory statements on the issue, uncertainty persists.

Though no JD(U) leader openly criticized the Prime Minister, Nitish’s son, Nishant Kumar—who has yet to join politics—publicly demanded that the NDA announce his father as the CM candidate. Responding to Modi’s “ladle” remark, Nishant stated, “As the BJP is part of the ruling coalition, it was natural for the PM to use such an expression for my father.”

Cabinet Expansion Adds to JD(U)’s Concerns

The recent induction of seven new BJP ministers into the Nitish-led Cabinet, filling positions that had remained vacant for over a year, has further fueled JD(U)’s anxieties. Although the expansion adhered to the agreed formula—21 berths for BJP, 13 for JD(U), and one each for the Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular) and an Independent—it marked the first time since 2005 that Nitish agreed to a full-capacity Cabinet. Additionally, the BJP’s move to include a Kurmi minister, from Nitish’s oaste, and a Kushwaha leader—another key OBC group that JD(U) is eyeing—has raised eyebrows within Nitish’s camp.

Opposition Takes Aim at JD(U)

Sensing an opportunity, the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) quickly pounced. RJD vice-president Shivanand Tiwari took a swipe at Nitish, saying he had failed to grasp the underlying message in Nishant’s remarks—urging the NDA to officially declare his father as the CM candidate. Meanwhile, Leader of the Opposition Tejashwi Yadav claimed that Nitish would not return as CM after the 2025 Assembly elections.

NDA Allies’ Divergent Views on Nitish’s Candidacy

Within the NDA, conflicting voices persist regarding the CM face. BJP leader Prem Kumar reacted to Tejashwi’s remarks by stating, “Such matters will be decided after the election results.” State BJP president Dilip Jaiswal initially asserted that the NDA would contest under Nitish’s leadership but later clarified, “The CM will be decided by the BJP’s Parliamentary Board after the elections.”

However, Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi, leader of HAM(S), openly backed Nitish as the CM candidate, declaring at a Dalit convention in Patna, “The NDA will win 225-plus seats under Nitish Kumar’s leadership.” Other allies, including Chirag Paswan’s Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) and Upendra Kushwaha’s Rashtriya Lok Morcha (RLM), have also thrown their support behind Nitish.

After his initial statement caused a stir, Jaiswal later clarified, “It is the media that misinterpreted my words. When I said the elections would be fought under Nitish Kumar’s leadership, it was obvious that he is our CM face. We have launched ‘Mission 2025: Phir Se Nitish’ (Nitish Again).” BJP Deputy CM Samrat Choudhary echoed the sentiment, stating, “There is absolute clarity—Nitish is our CM face.”

JD(U) Awaits an Official Endorsement

Despite BJP state leaders finally aligning with JD(U) on Nitish’s CM candidature, a senior JD(U) leader expressed disappointment that PM Modi did not make an explicit announcement at the Bhagalpur rally. “We expected the PM to put an end to the speculation. While we appreciate state BJP leaders’ clarifications, it would be more appropriate if PM Modi or BJP national president J.P. Nadda formally declares Nitish as the CM nominee,” he said.

Political Posturing Ahead of Polls

With elections looming, both JD(U) and BJP are maneuvering strategically. JD(U) has reportedly identified 122 seats out of the 243 to field its candidates, though BJP insiders suggest that both parties may ultimately contest around 100 seats each. Meanwhile, RJD is actively exploring ways to lure Nitish back into the Mahagathbandhan fold.

Adding to the intrigue is the potential political entry of Nishant Kumar. His emergence has unsettled the BJP, as it signals JD(U)’s efforts to lay the groundwork for a long-term succession plan. An RJD leader commented, “This clamor for Nitish as CM is just a smokescreen—the real objective is to pave the way for Nishant in 2026.”

As the NDA grapples with internal tensions, all eyes are now on whether the BJP’s central leadership will unequivocally back Nitish Kumar or keep its options open until after the elections.